Feds call Apple’s refusal to cooperate a PR stunt

Apple is standing firm in its stance over encryption, and the Justice Department isn’t happy. A new motion has been filed asking the court to compel Apple to comply with the initial court order. Investigators have asked Apple to create software that would allow them to crack into the iPhone 5c used by one of the San Bernardino killers.

According to the Justice Department, Apple’s refusal to unlock the device, which could potentially provide the FBI with important information in their investigation, is nothing more than a PR stunt. Yes, because Apple is so thirsty for attention. For what it’s worth, other tech giants like Google and Facebook have voiced their support for Tim Cook’s decision not to comply.

Here’s what the Justice Department had to say:

Apple’s public statement makes it clear that Apple will not comply with the Court’s Order. The government does not deny Apple its right to be heard, and expects these issues to be fully briefed before the Court; however, the urgency of this investigation requires this motion now that Apple has made its intentions not to comply patently clear.

The Justice Department went further on the offensive with its language, implying Apple is not on the side of justice as it refuses the court’s order.

Earlier this week, Tim Cook released a letter about its decision not to create a nefarious version of its mobile software, calling the government’s demands “chilling.”

“If the government can use the All Writs Act to make it easier to unlock your iPhone, it would have the power to reach into anyone’s device to capture their data,” Cook said in his letter.

This is, of course, not the last we will hear of this issue, so stay tuned. If you want to learn more, check out our video on the matter below.