Activities
Segments
Programs
Activities
Segments
Programs
Apple refuses to assist ED in unlocking Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s iPhone or provide them access. Here's the reason why
In the course of his interrogation, Delhi's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, expressed that if his iPhone data and conversations were accessed by the ED, they would gain insight into AAP's 'election tactics' and pre-election partnerships.
It's been reported that Apple has refused to unlock and provide the Enforcement Directorate (ED) with access to the iPhone belonging to Delhi's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal. The tech behemoth, based in Cupertino, has reportedly stated that the data on the device can only be accessed with the password established by the device's owner.
According to an article by The Indian Express, insiders revealed that during a raid by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the night of Kejriwal's detention on March 21, the investigators only discovered Rs 70,000 and four cellphones, including the Chief Minister's personal device, which were seized. It was further claimed that the Delhi CM had turned off his iPhone and refused to disclose his passcode.
Why didn't Kejriwal provide his iPhone's password to the ED?
According to the information received, Kejriwal stated during his interrogation that if his cell phone data and conversations were accessed, the ED would gain insight into AAP's "election plan" and pre-election partnerships.
Apple's record of refusing to unlock devices for the police
It's not the first instance where Apple has denied unlocking a device when asked by a nation's investigative bodies.
In 2020, Apple declined to unlock the gadget of Mohammed Saeed Alshamrani, a second lieutenant in the Saudi Air Force, who killed three Americans at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. This incident was labeled as a terrorist act by US officials, and the FBI requested Apple to unlock the gadget and provide them with the data to assist in their probe.
Apple declined to unlock the device but supplied the investigators with a wealth of data linked to Alshamrani. As more requests came in, Apple handed over additional details, such as what they could extract from iCloud backups, account specifics and transactional data spanning multiple accounts.
Likewise, in 2016, a US federal judge requested Apple's help for the FBI to unlock the iPhones belonging to two individuals, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, suspected of the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino.
The judge requested Apple to offer "feasible technical support" to the officials and devise a method to bypass Apple's function, which locks the phone after ten failed password tries and makes the device's data unreachable. However, Apple refused to assist the FBI in this case as well.
Why does Apple decline to unlock devices for police agencies?
Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, has consistently stood by the company's decision not to consider requests that could compromise their commitment to protecting the privacy of their users, and crucially, their obligation to uphold civil freedom.
Cook, in an email to his staff, stated that the Farook case is not just about one phone or one probe. On receiving the government's directive, they felt compelled to voice their concerns. Cook, along with Apple's senior management, have consistently tried to clarify that supporting encryption does not equate to facilitating illegal activities or endorsing terrorism.
Cook continued by stating that although Apple has zero tolerance for terrorists, adhering to the directives of the Department of Justice could potentially establish a risky precedent.
The protection of the personal data of hundreds of millions of obedient citizens is at risk, and establishing such a threatening precedent jeopardizes everyone's civil rights," Cook expressed in that email.
Apple holds the view that creating an encryption loophole for law enforcement agencies, often referred to as the "good guys", could potentially be misused by malicious entities such as hackers, cybercriminals, and other rogue figures, commonly known as the "bad guys".
The Senior Director of Global Privacy at Apple, Jane Horvath, expressed that "end-to-end encryption is crucial for the services we depend on." Additionally, she stated that "creating a loophole in encryption is not the solution to addressing problems related to terrorist investigations."
Contributions from various organizations
Look for us on YouTube
Featured Programmes
Associated Articles
Arvind Kejriwal, referred to as undertrial 670, strategizes on governing Delhi's administration from Tihar jail
India's government achieves updated tax revenue goals of Rs 34.37 lakh Cr for the financial year 2024
Is it possible for India to regain Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka?
Five main points drawn from PM Modi's political gathering in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand
Arvind Kejriwal, also known as undertrial 670, has a plan to manage Delhi's governance from Tihar jail
The Indian government fulfills revised tax collection objectives of Rs 34.37 lakh Cr for the budget year 2024
Can India recapture Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka?
Five essential insights from PM Modi's election rally in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand
Find our channel on YouTube
Highlighted Shows
Connected Articles
Arvind Kejriwal, undertrial 670, strategizes on managing Delhi government from Tihar jail
Indian government achieves updated tax collection goals of Rs 34.37 lakh Cr for 2024 fiscal year
Is it possible for India to take back Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka?
Prime Minister Modi's campaign rally in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand: Five main points
Arvind Kejriwal, undertrial 670, strategizes on managing Delhi government from Tihar jail
Indian government achieves updated tax collection goals of Rs 34.37 lakh Cr for 2024 fiscal year
Is it possible for India to take back Katchatheevu island from Sri Lanka?
Prime Minister Modi's campaign rally in Rudrapur, Uttarakhand: Five main points
Can be found on YouTube.
Firstpost holds all rights and is protected by copyright, effective until 202
+ There are no comments
Add yours