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Apple Gains Support of Google, WhatsApp and Snowden against FBI

By Kanika Gupta | Update Date: Feb 25, 2016 08:47 AM EST

The whistleblower, Edward Snowden, tech Giant Google and, WhatsApp together stand in solidarity over Apple's stance to not bypass the encryption technology in the iPhone smartphones. US federal magistrate has ordered Apple to help FBI unlock the iPhone of a San Bernardino terrorist. However, an open-letter published by the company website's chief executive, Tim Cook, said that the company will not comply with the order and will fight the move.

"Important post by @tim_cook. Forcing companies to enable hacking could compromise users' privacy." Pichai also said, "looking forward to a thoughtful and open discussion on this important issue", as reported by Telegraph

Privacy activist, Edward Snowden, watched Google's actions closely and said that their silence over the matter can be amounted to being on government's side. WhatsApp founder, Jan Koum, also supported Apple, saying "Our freedom and liberty is at stake."

According to the federal court, Apple should provide "reasonable technical assistance" to unlock the iPhone used by Syed Rizwan Farook whose attacks claimed 14 lives.

In an unusual letter, Apple chief executive Tim Cook responded to customers of Apple, which is being shared widely through the social media. Cook said that the dangerous and unprecedented demand made by FBI is a threat to its customers and Apple will not comply with such a request, says The Star

"The US Government has asked us for something we simply do not have, and something we consider too dangerous to create," Cook wrote.

He also added, "Specifically, the FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating system, circumventing several important security features, and install it on an iPhone recovered during the investigation," wrote Cook.

Cook said that if this software fell in wrong hands, it could be used to unlock any iPhone that is in someone's physical possession. He further said that Apple cannot guarantee that the software will only be used by FBI, reported The Guardian

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