An Ethical perspective on 2015 case of the FBI and the locked iPhone

Today, I had the took a moment to ponder about the ethical evaluation of the 2015 case of the FBI and the locked iPhone.

Aside from my political bias, I point out the dichotomy between national security and personal privacy in regard to this case; this situation demonstrates the moral philosophy behind the FBI vs. Apple controversy. The FBI wanting to crack Syed Rizwan Farook’s iPhone after the San Bernardino attack seemed like a suitable security-based response. Their aims were to seek evidence and protect the public and prevent further attacks which are all highly justified. Yet, ordering Apple to set up a "backdoor" for its own devices represents a considerably more far-reaching threat to user privacy, both in this case and long-term. I was totally behind Apple taking this stance under Tim Cook as it was all about protecting the privacy of ALL iPhoners. It sets up a precedent for other governments to request access so it makes too easy. The slippery slope Apple illustrated isn't purely academic, but rather a real threat to technology and privacy. While a controlled backdoor can be safeguarded (or so you think), but creating such a vulnerability in the system paves the way for widespread misuse, and even hacking by mischievous actors. At the end of the day, I fall back on the side of Apple's privacy argument and larger implications here. Yes, national security is important, but surrendering the privacy and safety of millions cannot possibly be the correct answer. Certainly all this shows is not that we need to just fall one way or the other, but rather that maybe there's a more delicate balance to be struck and that might actually require some debate about security v. privacy in general on a national scale before deciding policy.