Analyzing the Latest News, Updates, and Trends Impacting Apple
DOJ requests federal court to vacate a scheduled hearing
On March 21, 2016, the DOJ (U.S. Department of Justice) asked a federal court to “vacate” a hearing scheduled for Tuesday, March 22, 2016. This request was made soon after an outside party came forward with a potential unlock method for the iPhone, thereby negating the need for Apple’s assistance.
On March 20, an outside party demonstrated a method to unlock the iPhone that has been tied to San Bernardino terror suspect, according to a court filing. If this is true, the FBI wouldn’t need Apple’s assistance in this high profile case.
The DOJ stated that “On Sunday, March 20, 2016, an outside party demonstrated to the FBI a possible method for unlocking [terrorist Syed] Farook’s iPhone.” “Testing is required to determine whether it is a viable method that will not compromise data on Farook’s iPhone. If the method is viable, it should eliminate the need for the assistance from Apple Inc. set forth in the All Writs Act Order in this case.”
Why Apple took a stand against the FBI?
Over the last month, Apple (AAPL) and the FBI have locked horns. A judge ordered Apple to build a “specialized piece of software” to unlock San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook’s iPhone.
Apple stated that this move would open a backdoor to any iPhone. This is something that the government could easily exploit.
Last month, Judge Sheri Pym of the Central District of California in Los Angeles ordered Apple to provide “reasonable technical assistance” to investigators looking to unlock data on the iPhone.
Apple said that customers expect it and other technology companies to do everything in their power to protect their personal information. As a result, Apple is committed to safeguarding personal data. Google (GOOG), Facebook (FB), and Twitter (TWTR) supported Apple in its refusal.
Apple accounts for 15.8% of the Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK).
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