Last week, tensions between Apple and the FBI grew daily and it looks like that will not stop this week. It is now devolving into a war of words between the two sides, with the FBI calling this just a “marketing strategy” and the tech giant insisting that it was more than that.
The two sides are fighting over access to an iPhone used by Sayed Farook, one of the shooters in the San Bernardino, California shooting, where 14 people were killed in December. The FBI wants Apple to create a special version of the iOS to unlock the phone, but Apple is refusing to do so, despite a court order. Initially, Apple had until Feb. 23 to respond in court, but the company was given until Feb. 26.
In a filing on Feb. 20, the FBI suggested that Apple CEO Tim Cook’s statement on Feb. 16 be considered the company’s official response to the order, reports The Los Angeles Times. The FBI believes that Apple’s decision to fight the order “appears to be based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy” without a legal basis.
The FBI said that Apple admitted that it could create the software that the government wants. “Apple rejected the government's request, although it conceded that it had the technical ability to help,” the filing reads.
Apple quickly posted a Q&A on their site over the weekend to respond to the FBI’s filing. The company insists that it is not just a marketing strategy. It’s about protecting their customers, Apple said.
“ We feel strongly that if we were to do what the government has asked of us — to create a backdoor to our products — not only is it unlawful, but it puts the vast majority of good and law abiding citizens, who rely on iPhone to protect their most personal and important data, at risk,” the company said.
While Apple has until Feb. 26 to respond, the next court hearing will not be until March 22.