Tim Cook says he's 'offended' by government smears in latest Time cover story
In a Time Magazine interview published on Thursday, Apple CEO Tim Cook railed against the U.S. government's approach to the battle over encryption, claiming he was "offended" by statements leveled against the company, as well as the way the government is pursuing data from the iPhone of the San Bernardino shooter.
"And so do I like their tactics? No. I don't," Cook said. "I'm seeing the government apparatus in a way I've never seen it before. Do I like finding out from the press about it? No. I don't think it's professional. So do I like them talking about, or lying, about our intentions? No. I'm offended by it. Deeply offended by it."
The comment appears to be a specific reference to a recent Justice Department brief, accusing Apple of building iOS 8 and 9 security with the express intent of thwarting government warrants and other requests for data access. Apple general counsel Bruce Sewell recently said the filing "reads like an indictment," and echoed Cook's language, calling the document "deeply offensive."
Cook restated many of his company's arguments against building a passcode limit crack for the FBI, notably suggesting however that the world is in a "golden age of surveillance," and that the idea of encryption of causing the world to "go dark" for law enforcement and spy agencies is a myth.
"I never expected to be in this position. The government should always be the one defending civil liberties. And there's a role reversal here," he later remarked, nevertheless remaining optimistic that the situation is temporary and Apple's position will ultimately triumph.
A March 22 court hearing is set to review the court order asking Apple to build the passcode crack. That's just one day after special press event where the company is expected to showcase a new 4-inch iPhone as well as a new 9.7-inch iPad and more Apple Watch bands.
"And so do I like their tactics? No. I don't," Cook said. "I'm seeing the government apparatus in a way I've never seen it before. Do I like finding out from the press about it? No. I don't think it's professional. So do I like them talking about, or lying, about our intentions? No. I'm offended by it. Deeply offended by it."
The comment appears to be a specific reference to a recent Justice Department brief, accusing Apple of building iOS 8 and 9 security with the express intent of thwarting government warrants and other requests for data access. Apple general counsel Bruce Sewell recently said the filing "reads like an indictment," and echoed Cook's language, calling the document "deeply offensive."
Cook restated many of his company's arguments against building a passcode limit crack for the FBI, notably suggesting however that the world is in a "golden age of surveillance," and that the idea of encryption of causing the world to "go dark" for law enforcement and spy agencies is a myth.
"I never expected to be in this position. The government should always be the one defending civil liberties. And there's a role reversal here," he later remarked, nevertheless remaining optimistic that the situation is temporary and Apple's position will ultimately triumph.
A March 22 court hearing is set to review the court order asking Apple to build the passcode crack. That's just one day after special press event where the company is expected to showcase a new 4-inch iPhone as well as a new 9.7-inch iPad and more Apple Watch bands.
Comments
Well done Cook.
Should be: In latest Time cover story Tim Cook says he's 'offended' by government smears
When I first read it I thought it meant that Time interviewed the government who made smears against Tim when in fact it was Tim who was interviewed by Time Magazine.
http://time.com/4261796/tim-cook-transcript/
The colonies had a great deal of experience and history in local governing by the time the Constitution was drafted. The people who colonized the new world were very independent in nature and the vast distance from Britain meant that they were basically ruling themselves already. After the French and Indian war Britain was deeply in debt and tried to levy more taxes on the colonies. The Currency Act, the Stamp Act, and the Townshend Act which ultimately led to the Boston Tea Party.
All of this was done over a few decades so yes the colonies had a great deal of experience but more importantly many of the revolutionary leaders had studied major writings of the Enlightenment including those of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and the Baron de Montesquieu. From these writings, the founders gleaned the concepts of the social contract, limited government, the consent of the governed, and separation of powers.
I am Canadian and am with you100%. The FBI should do their job professionally not like a hacker! Apple is protecting its customers keep up the good work Tim Cook!
Admittedly, I'm an infrequent poster, but I for one always appreciate your input even if we don't always agree. I applaud your comments above for being a stand up guy. I'm also in agreement with you that Tim is handling this issue professionally as well as impressively.