Did you hear about Apple's press release yesterday? If you didn't, let us catch you up.

The United States Government demanded that Apple build a backdoor to the iPhone. A judge ruled on Tuesday that Apple would have to provide this access, but Apple refused.

"The FBI may use different words to describe this tool, but make no mistake: Building a version of iOS that bypasses security in this way would undeniably create a backdoor," Apple wrote in their customer letter yesterday.

Apple also explicitly referenced the San Bernardino shooting, which is the impetus behind the FBI's demand for a back door in the first place. The FBI wants to access the phone of San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook.

The Daily Mail reported that the CEO of Google has voiced his support for Apple's decision.

"Forcing companies to enable hacking could compromise users' privacy," wrote Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Twitter.

"We know that law enforcement and intelligence agencies face significant challenges in protecting the public against crime and terrorism. We build secure products to keep your information safe and we give law enforcement access to data based on legal concerns," Pinchai said.

[anad]

Pinchai did qualify that statement.

"But that's wholly different than requiring companies to enable hacking of customer devices and data. Could be a troubling precedent. Looking forward to a thoughtful and open discussion on this important issue."

Still, not everyone is happy with Apple's announcement. Of course, the FBI is frustrated by Apple's refusal to cooperate, and the families of the San Bernardino victims are not happy with Apple's declaration either.

"I feel like now there are a whole bunch of terrorists running out and buying iPhones, like the little 'I' in iPhone should be for ISIS," said Mandy Pifer, who lost her fiancé Shannon Johnson in the San Bernardino shooting.

Other families' takes on the situation aren't quite so drastic.

unnuevodia ¿Piensas que #Apple debería darle acceso a la información que hay en los teléfonos celulares de los responsables del ataque terrorista en #SanBernardino al #FBI?


"I love my Fourth Amendment as much as anyone, but this is a case of law and order, and I expect Apple to follow the law," said Robel Tekleab, the brother-in-law of Isaac Amanios, another victim in the San Bernardino shooting.

The FBI feels if they gain access to Farook's iPhone 5c, they'll find vital information about his motives and plans.

"I have no doubt [Apple] can do this and do it quickly. And they should want to because it's the law," said Tekleab.

Do we think Apple could provide access to Farook's without endangering the privacy of their other customers? Well, no, because if they could, we don't think they would have written the letter.

For about the millionth time this year, we're asked to choose between privacy and safety. Do we love the idea of the government rifling through our phones? No, we kind of hate that idea.

Check out Apple Opposes FBI Court Order to Unlock Phones

[via Daily Mail] [Feature Image Courtesy Instagram] 

recent