Apple, US govt to face off in court over iPhone privacy

The US government and Apple will face off in court in a closely-watched case that could have wide-reaching implications on digital security and privacy.
The crucial hearing tomorrow before a federal judge in Southern California focuses on the battle between the tech giant and federal investigators who want help from Apple to unlock an iPhone linked to one of the shooters in the December terror attack in San Bernardino, California.
"It's a fight over the future of high-tech surveillance, the trust infrastructure undergirding the global software ecosystem, and how far technology companies and software developers can be conscripted as unwilling suppliers of hacking tools for governments," wrote Julian Sanchez, a surveillance law expert at the libertarian Cato Institute in Washington.

"It's also the public face of a conflict that will undoubtedly be continued in secret, and is likely already well underway."
Apple, backed by a broad coalition of technology giants like Google, Facebook and Yahoo, argues that the FBI is seeking a "back door" into all iPhones as part of the probe into the December 2 massacre that left 14 people dead.
It also contends that the government is overstepping legal bounds by using a statute called the All Writs Act, which dates back to 1789, in order to force Apple to hack into the iPhone in question.

The company says that in deciding the case, the court must take into account the "broader context" which touches on the larger debate over data privacy.

The government has fired back, saying that Apple was not above the law and that its request for technical assistance concerns a single case -- the Apple iPhone 5C, which was shooter Syed Farook's work phone from the San Bernardino health department.
Both Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik died in a firefight with police after the attack. Two other phones linked to the couple were found destroyed.
"It is a narrow, targeted order... The government and the community need to know what is on the terrorist's phone, and the government needs Apple's assistance to find out," Justice Department lawyers wrote in their brief to the court.

Each side in the case has dug in its heels, exchanging a volley of legal briefs, with the outcome being watched closely across the globe.
Tech companies, security experts and civil rights advocates say the issue is not so much about one iPhone as it is about setting a precedent that would open the door to companies being forced to hand over customer data.
Meanwhile, delegation members accompanying Apple CEO also
spoke of their experiences in rural Rajasthan, where several villages have recently been electrified and women are being skilled to assemble and operate solar energy equipment.
Both Cook and Modi shared stories of entrepreneurship that they had come across in app development and renewable energy, the statement added.

Cook said the company is looking to be in India for a long run and it is "exactly the right time" to be in India as telecom firms roll out 4G high speed internet services.
Apple, which is seeing declining sales elsewhere in the world, is betting big on India for growth as sales here saw an impressive 56 per cent growth during January-March.
The company has been pushing for introducing refurbished phones in the country that may help in making its smartphones more affordable to a larger audience. However, the government is yet to take a call on the matter.

Modi explained 'Digital India' initiative and identified three key objectives of as e-education, health and increasing farmers' incomes.
Prime Minister sought support from Apple in furthering these objectives and also encouraged Cook to help the global community to cope with the challenges of cyber-crime.
Cook also congratulated Modi on recent election results and spoke about his visit to India and that he had been received with great warmth.
Cook, who is on a four-day trip to India, has met some of the key leaders of India Inc, including ICICI Bank's Chanda Kochhar, Tata Group Chairman Cyrus Mistry and Tata Consultancy Services CEO N Chandrasekaran.

The updated version of 'Narendra Modi Mobile App' contains a new volunteering network on the app.
"I urge you to have a look at the new feature 'My Network' that empowers you to contribute on lively and enriching forums where you can share your ideas and deliberate with others. You will also enjoy the daily tasks on the App," Modi tweeted.