Brief of Amici Curiae Access Now and Wickr Foundation in Support of Apple Inc.'s Motion to Vacate

Tags: 2010s Apple Backdoors

Authors: Wickr Foundation

URL: https://www.accessnow.org/cms/assets/uploads/2016/03/Apple-Amicus-Brief-Access-Now-Wickr-Fndtn.pdf

Abstract: This amicus brief was filed by Access Now and the Wickr Foundation in support of Apple in the Central District of California, asserting that allowing the government to install software to weaken encryption would have far-reaching effects beyond the singular iPhone at hand. The FBI petitioned the court to require Apple to create and install “GovtOS” which would allow the FBI to work around security features and potentially access encrypted information. The Brief argues that although the warrant would apply to one iPhone, it could be redeployed in the future. This would cast doubt on the encryption of all information, not only on Apple products but also on other technology companies. Furthermore, the brief argues that this would have far-reaching effects on global encryption and human rights laws.