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In our 693rd issue: It's Not Just About Apple. It's About All of Us.In most issues of EFFector, we give an overview of all the work we’re doing at EFF right now. This week, we present a deep dive on the FBI’s fight with Apple over its customers’ privacy. A U.S. federal magistrate judge has ordered Apple to undermine the security of an iPhone that was used by one of the perpetrators of December’s San Bernardino shootings. If carried out, the order would compromise the security of every Apple customer in the world. Fortunately, Apple is fighting back and standing up for its users, and EFF is filing an amicus brief in support of Apple’s position. The government is doing more than simply ask for Apple’s assistance. For the first time ever, the government is telling Apple to write brand new code that eliminates the security features of its own products—features that benefit everyone who uses Apple products or even communicates with iOS users. Essentially, the government is asking Apple to create a master key so that it can open a single phone. And once that master key is created, we’re certain that both our government and others will ask for it again and again. There’s been a lot of confusion about what exactly the FBI is asking Apple for. In short, the FBI wants Apple to do three things:
The FBI’s goal is to guess Syed Rizwan Farook’s passcode to unlock his phone. If it just tries entering passcodes, though, it might erase the device’s keys, at which point the data may never be recoverable. Hence, it’s telling Apple to write special software to allow unlimited guesses. The FBI claims that it has the right to make this request under the 1789 All Writs Act, a claim that many legal experts have questioned. The problem with the FBI’s request is twofold. First, the risk of this piece of software getting into unauthorized hands is very high, and the damage that it could do is obvious. Second, writing this code would probably encourage more government requests—potentially from other governments around the world. Even if you trust the U.S. government, once this master key is created, governments you don’t trust will surely demand that Apple undermine the security of their citizens as well. Speak OutLast year, thousands of you signed a petition urging President Obama to speak out for uncompromised security. The President has not given a real response, but the need to defend encryption is more urgent than ever.Fight for the Future has organized a series of rallies in many major cities across the country. There will be rallies at most Apple Stores today at 5:30 pm local time. This case is not about FBI vs. Apple. It's about every consumer’s right to use secure technologies, and every technology company’s right to protect its customers’ privacy. Join us. miniLinksPBS: Judge's order to Apple over attacker phone encryption unlocks privacy concerns “We know who the shooters were. We know who they were talking to. The FBI already has the metadata. They chose this case because they want precedent that they can order a company to design a particular feature at their whim.” EFF’s Nate Cardozo explains why the FBI’s order has very little to do with Farook’s phone and everything to do with setting a new precedent. New York Times: An Unprecedented Order That Puts Us All at Risk There is no such thing as a master key that only the good guys can use. EFF attorney Sophia Cope shows how carrying out the FBI’s order could open iPhone users to large-scale threats, both from criminals and from authoritarian world governments. PBS Frontline: Who's Right In Apple's Fight with the FBI? “Privacy nihilism is seductive, but deeply misguided. Privacy is not dead, and only those who wish to kill it claim otherwise.” EFF attorney Nate Cardozo debates James Andrew Lewis of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explaining why it’s so important that Apple fight the FBI order. Supported by DonorsOur members make it possible for EFF to bring legal and technological expertise into crucial battles about online rights. Whether defending free speech online or challenging unconstitutional surveillance, your participation makes a difference. Every donation gives technology users who value freedom online a stronger voice and more formidable advocate. If you aren't already, please consider becoming an EFF member today. AdministriviaEditor: Elliot Harmon, Activist EFFector is a publication of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Membership & donation queries: membership@eff.org General EFF, legal, policy, or online resources queries: info@eff.org Reproduction of this publication in electronic media is encouraged. MiniLinks do not necessarily represent the views of EFF. This newsletter is printed from 100% recycled electrons. EFF appreciates your support and respects your privacy. Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe or change your email preferences, or opt out of all EFF email 815 Eddy Street
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