Readers Weigh In: Should Apple Unlock Terrorist's Cell Phone?

RIVERSIDE, CA- Apple CEO Tim Cook resisted an order from a federal judge to help unlock the encryption data of the cellphone belonging to one of the terrorists who killed 14 people in San Bernardino last year.

In a letter to Apple customers, Cook wrote that the company has no “sympathy for terrorists,” and the the new software the FBI is asking Apple to develop, could potentially put user’s personal data in the jeopardy.

“In the physical world, it would be the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks — from restaurants and banks to stores and homes.”

Currently, the federal prosecutors are filing paper work intended to compel Apple to assist the FBI in creating a software that could bypass security and unlock the phone.

In the 40-page motion to the court, Los Angeles-based U.S. Attorney Eileen Decker wrote that, “Apple has the exclusive technical means which would assist the government in completing its search, but has declined to provide that assistance voluntarily.”

We asked Patch readers of Facebook if they agreed with Apple’s decision. Here’s what you said:

• “I completely disagree with Apple and don’t believe they cannot unlock that one phone without opening a Pandora’s Box. I believe just about ANYTHING that can be done to avoid another terrorist attack should be done.”- Venice

• “Open up those cell phones! It’s pretty undeniable who the terrorists were in San Bernadino.” - Napa Valley”

• “I applaud Apple for maintaining their security and the citizens privacy.” - Lake Elsinore

• “This is being misinterpreted all over the media. If apple creates this key and turns it over to the Feds they will now have a “skeleton key” to unlock EVERY iPhone. What the Feds should ask for is an apple tech to unlock that SPECIFIC phone not give them the key and trust them to only use it only once.” - Ramona

• “ We are going to feel pretty stupid if another terroit cell attacks and the plans were on this phone the whole time.” - Livermore

• “Why would Apple care if it opened it could help the USA. I’ll ban Apple products. Hope everyone else does the same thing.” - Lake Elsinore

• “I love Apple for this. As much as I hate terrorist I love my freedom and privacy more.” - Banning

• “The government is basically asking for them to create a way to hack into iPhones. And where the government thinks that we live in a world where there aren’t people intelligent enough to solve the backdoor, the reality is that there is.” - Temecula

• “I reluctantly agree! Once you open that box it can’t be closed!” - Fair Oaks

• “I think with a subpoena they should comply. Why would they protect terrorists.” - Petaluma

What do you think? Let us know in our poll or in the comments below.