Tim Cook's Argument Analysis

Intro: In this essay I will give a brief overview of U.S Governments request to apple in conjunction with Tim Cook’s argument. Furthermore, I will provide my own opinion on the matter with support from the All Writs Act and the publics opinions, after reference to David Friedman about his views on privacy.
Summary of Cook’s Argument: Tim Cook, Apple C.E.O has made a public announcement in regards to the U.S Government’s request to create an Apple Iphone “backdoor.” He expresses how important encryption is and how it works to protect our information and that it is not in anyone’s best interest to create this as it goes against all means of privacy and everything Apple has achieved thus far in protecting their customer’s personal information. …show more content…
With multiple references to fiction works he is able to portray to the reader how lack of privacy in different forms will negatively affect humanity and the world we live in. He also goes into great detail about newer technologies and how they threaten our privacy. Friedman heavily conveys the idea that if someone wants or needs to know information on him, they must obtain it legally and from him themselves, or with his permission. When it comes to applying for a job or finance he will happily give or reserve the information needed based on his own desire, and in return he accepts that he may not be hired for the job or granted the finance. In reverse circumstances he believes that if one were to hire a babysitter for their children, he would like to know their past criminal history and if they are unwilling to give that up then his decision is made, but privacy still stands and he will not press for the information. Additionally, as it may be able to help criminals in some situations, it will be able to protect the victims in others. In terms of privacy and the government, Friedman claims privacy is not “such a bad thing,” in the way that we are not able to control all the bad things being done to us by ourselves or other bad people, as it can prevent the government from being …show more content…
If not in the wrong hands, it will at least be public knowledge as to what is going on behind closed doors. If this new operating system is created as per request, the effects on the public, no matter the circumstances, it will create unease and doubt throughout the public. If this were to spiral downwards, an apocalyptic effect could indeed plague the USA and even the rest of world since the U.S government is so powerful. Husian Sumra’s article has attracted quite a lot of interest, particularly that every day citizens are commenting for and against this, but after sifting through them it is clear that the bottom line is, privacy should remain as it is, private. The welfare of American citizens is obviously being considered, but what needs to asked is if the scare of another potential terrorist attack is worth the scare of flawed privacy and inevitably the lives of these citizens at the hands of their own government? The answer is no, it’s not. Dealing with the aftermath from a terrorist attack is in no way comparable to attempting to clean up the disintegration of a nation nor should one’s fear of their own government over another be