By Tyler Ruth ’16

If Apple were to incorporate a backdoor into the iPhone’s software it would be like creating a master key that opens all doors. No one believes anyone should have that power in the physical world, so why should it be given to someone in the digital world? The FBI has recently demanded that Apple Inc. build a backdoor into the iPhone so that, according to the bureau, it can get all the necessary data off one of the San Bernardino perpetrator’s devices to see who the terrorists were communicating with and any sites they visited prior to the attack in December. Apple has thankfully denied the request to circumvent their security measures stating that encryption is “the only way to keep their [customers’] information safe.”

A backdoor seems like a simple solution, but it is sacrificing freedom for security. Once that backdoor is there, what is stopping cyber-criminals from finding it as well? In addition, the only people that would be hurt if a backdoor is implemented would be the consumer, as a criminal would use the tools to threaten law-abiding citizens. The American people should not have to depend on corporations to defend their privacy. That is the government’s job to protect privacy, not to threaten it.