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ACLU Shows How the Apple-FBI Fight Was About Much More Than One Phone (theverge.com)

Russell Brandom reports for The Verge: Apple's San Bernardino fight may be over, but the government is still seeking both Apple and Google's help in unlocking phones. New research from the American Civil Liberties Union shows 63 different cases in which the government compelled help from Apple or Google in unlocking a handset. It's unclear how many of the orders were filled, although companies often complied with such orders where possible before last year. The bulk of the cases target Apple, but nine of the orders also look to compel Google's help, typically to reset the password on a given device. The devices include phones from Alcatel, Kyocera, and Samsung, many of which shipped without the default device encryption that blocked the use of traditional forensic tools in the San Bernardino case.

155 comments

  1. Ok, got it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Insightful

    Can we please stop reposting the Apple vs FBI saga multiple times per day? I'm sure there are other things going on in the tech world.

    Let's get some "experts" in here to give us the state of the union on digital porn

    1. Re:Ok, got it by tripleevenfall · · Score: 3, Insightful

      The revelation that Apple and Google are both receiving many of these requests and have complied on some of them, reversing course only recently, is an important artifact in the narrative.

    2. Re:Ok, got it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Insightful

      This is not in any way an important artifact, or even news. Apple has spent the last two years getting PR for finally implementing encryption that the FBI would not be able to get them to open. Implicit in this was that we all know what you do when you get a National Security Letter and you have the ability to decrypt data. You do as you are told. The end. Apple essentially made a stand by letting their customers lock up things and throw away the keys - months ago. These stories lately are the inevitable consequence, nothing more.

    3. Re:Ok, got it by TheGratefulNet · · Score: 1

      how can we make this issue work for our BOTTOM LINE?

      THIS IS ALL APPLE AND GOOG CARE ABOUT.

      its not about freedom. dont kid yourself.

      --

      --
      "It is now safe to switch off your computer."
    4. Re:Ok, got it by tripleevenfall · · Score: 1

      Sure, Apple's motivation is to shift liability on to the end user by taking away their own ability to help the government. But it's still important to know that they didn't have goodness in their hearts about this, and they were complying with Big Brother's requests until they decided the liability involved was a little too much for them.

    5. Re:Ok, got it by Gr8Apes · · Score: 1

      Yes, but it's good to get that info out to the public as undeniable facts. History has shown that the public tends to prefer a state of denial to uncomfortable possibilities. Repeatedly ripping the bandaids off will change opinion. If the San Bernardino case had occurred in 2002, do you think the public would have even questioned whether forcing Apple to unlock an iphone was problematic? Just a little bit more and perhaps people will actually care about their privacy.

      --
      The cesspool just got a check and balance.
    6. Re:Ok, got it by Frosty+Piss · · Score: 1

      how can we make this issue work for our BOTTOM LINE?

      THIS IS ALL APPLE AND GOOG CARE ABOUT.

      its not about freedom. dont kid yourself.

      And what exactly is the problem with this? Neither Apple nor Google are altruistic tech "think tanks", they are in business to make money

      --
      If you want news from today, you have to come back tomorrow.
    7. Re:Ok, got it by Quzak · · Score: 2

      I remember downloading porn on an old 9600 baud modem back in the early 90s. Then the savior came in the form of the 14.4 modem and we ushered in a new era of porn. No longer did we wait hours for our porn to download, we only had to wait 30 minutes. In the time of watching a tv show, you could have a single porn image. Now with even greater advances in download speeds, you can have millions of porn images delivered per second. Kids these days have it so easy!

      --
      Support your local school shooter, give them your firearms.
    8. Re: Ok, got it by Namarrgon · · Score: 3, Insightful

      How many of those prior cases demanded that the vendor create a customised "FBiOS" to bypass all protections, and how many involved a much more limited order to provide the password to unlock one specific phone?

      I think you'll find the change in tune is more about what they're now being ordered to do. Consider also that Apple and Google created these encryption features in part to avoid the burden of the increasing number of unlock requests.

      --
      Why would anyone engrave "Elbereth"?
    9. Re:Ok, got it by shawn2772 · · Score: 5, Informative

      The revelation that Apple and Google are both receiving many of these requests and have complied on some of them, reversing course only recently, is an important artifact in the narrative.

      Note that this may not have been a choice by the companies. As I understand it (IANAL), if the company can comply and can't show any egregious harm that would be caused by compliance, they have to comply or be in contempt of court, and judges have extremely wide latitude in the penalties they can apply for contempt. So the change may have been that security improvements made it impossible for them to comply, or -- as Apple was arguing -- impossible to comply without egregious harm.

      On the Google side, for example, one thing that changed was that Google removed the device admin and Android device manager features that allowed the password to be remotely reset. IIRC, the remote reset features were removed in Lollipop. In Marshmallow my team moved password verification into the trusted execution environment. The TEE app (called Gatekeeper) that manages password authentication does allow a "forcible" password change, where the old password is not provided, but higher layers don't offer any way to do this, and doing it will cause the TEE-based crypto keystore to permanently and irrevocably invalidate all authentication-bound keys. Such as the one used for device encryption. So a forcible reset doesn't let you in, it bricks the device (until factory reset).

      Previously, device admins could remotely reset passwords so that enterprises could let users into their managed devices when they'd locked themselves out. No more. Now all the admin can do is wipe the device. Android device manager will still allow you to change the password remotely, but you have to provide the old one (and you have to have configured Android device manager on the device, and you have to be able to log into the Google account associated with the phone).

      These changes were made to eliminate the potential for abuse by Google, rogue employees, etc. But they had the side effect of making it impossible for Google to comply with password reset requests.

      (Disclosure/disclaimer: I'm a Google Android engineer. I work on the TEE-based password manager and crypto keystore. All of the above is publicly available information, however. I tried to avoid expressing any opinions, sticking only to facts. If you find an opinion, however, it's mine and not Google's.)

    10. Re: Ok, got it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      all you have to do is download a custom rom with other drive locker encryption on it and the FBIOS chips don't do anything :P same with apple/google.. just use another encryption method by another company.. I'm sure the 'bad guys' are aware of this and will be doing so

    11. Re: Ok, got it by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Where can we find more info about this TEE crypto keystore and the changes about security in lollipop?

    12. Re:Ok, got it by david_thornley · · Score: 1

      Apple and Google have no choice about complying with requests for information they've got, or can get with tools they've got. Apple isn't saying they won't provide information in response to court orders. They're saying that they're making it difficult for anyone, including Apple, to crack the security, and that they will resist orders to make tools to crack iPhones and iPads. Whether this is a matter of marketing or idealism isn't really an important issue.

      --
      "When you have eliminated the unacceptable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truthiness" - Holmes
    13. Re: Ok, got it by shawn2772 · · Score: 1

      The documentation for the hardware-backed keystore is at: https://source.android.com/sec...

      The Lollipop changes... that I'm not sure about. I'm sure it's in the release notes somewhere, but I'd have to go Googling for it, and I'm sure you can do that as well as I can.

  2. Question to fellow Slashdotters by mi · · Score: 1

    Is it ever in, your opinion, acceptable for the law enforcement to demand (through courts) other parties' cooperation in accessing encrypted data?

    If yes, please, list the circumstances, which would make it acceptable and explain, why the "San Bernardino" case was different. Thank you!

    --
    In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
    1. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It is permissible in wartime so long as they compensate the involved infowar party. Unfortunately we did declare "war on terror" and afaik the attendant loss of civil liberties has yet to be rectified.

    2. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yes, because something something pedophiles.

      Oh, and we're scared. Gotta get those people with tattoos, and beards.

      Signed,
      The Public

    3. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      While my reflexive answer is "I can't think of any," I will explain why 'the "San Bernardino" case' is a completely intolerable lawsuit even for those whose general answer is "sure."

      1) The phone was a local government phone and the governmental IT department never installed the programs to give them admin access to all their issued iPhones.
      2) Apple unlocked the phone data for the FBI when asked.
      3) The FBI "lost" the password for the data that Apple had already provided in a manner that also meant Apple could not simply repeat what they did in step 2.
      4) The FBI sued to force a company to either a) write software to enable brute-force attacks or b) hand over all proprietary files needed to allow another to write software that enables brute-force attacks.

      Everything after step 2 is evidence that the current FBI administration should be replaced with one that is willing to at least attempt to do their jobs instead of constantly playing for more power and fewer responsibilities.

    4. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      2) Apple unlocked the phone data for the FBI when asked.
      3) The FBI "lost" the password for the data that Apple had already provided in a manner that also meant Apple could not simply repeat what they did in step 2.

      WHAT? Links please, as everything I have read says that is not true.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    5. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Yes, if a warrant has been issued given probable cause, then assuming the third party is fairly compensated for their efforts, then assistance in accessing the one device is acceptable. The problem is in the San Bernadino case, that's not what was asked for. They asked for a tool which could then be effectively used for all devices, and in the past have asked for legislation to require access that would allow them to access anybodies device, regardless of warrants. And this technology would always be there, available to anybody who figured out how to use it. Effectively, they wanted tools to make their jobs easier at the risk of all of society. I say that's unacceptable.

      Now, does this mean that sometimes it makes the polices job harder? Yes. But that's what it means to be the "good guy". The bad guy can do whatever is expedient and that's fine, but the good guy should always be limited to doing what's best for society as a whole. The negative impact of an action needs to be weighed against the positive, and only carried out of the positive outweighs the negative. The police can't chase a suspect because though it's easier to chase them, the risk they put innocents in doesn't outweigh catching a guy who committed some minor crime. Likewise, putting the security and privacy of the entire world at risk because a phone might have some useful information doesn't prove to be a net positive to society. It's something people need to remember, to be the good guy means sometimes having to do things the hard way, even when the bad guy gets to do the easy thing.

    6. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Dutch+Gun · · Score: 3, Insightful

      The "San Bernardino" case was different because the FBI was trying to compel Apple to write new software to assist them in breaking their own phone. Apple had been cooperating with the FBI up until that point, including providing them with a copy of the phone's backed up data from several weeks prior. I don't believe the government should be able to compel someone to write code against their will.

      Generally speaking, I have no problems with law enforcing requesting assistance in accessing encrypted data, but keep in mind this whole push for encryption on consumer devices and on the web in general partly came about because the government was caught spying on its citizens. As such, I take a pretty dim view of this same government and their rumblings about wanting to require a back door (and they just *hate* that term) in all encrypted products, because they've demonstrated they can't be trusted with that sort of responsibility. Not only have they demonstrated an absolute willingness to snoop on absolutely everyone, they also have a pretty poor track record in keeping secret data secure. How many breaches shall I cite? How long before foreign governments *cough China* has access to those universal keys as well?

      --
      Irony: Agile development has too much intertia to be abandoned now.
    7. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I know this will be modded out of existence because I'm an AC on a work computer, but...

      Due process. The Constitution is pretty clear.

      If they are presented with a court-ordered warrant, they should cooperate to any extent possible. Otherwise, no. Of course, if Apple and Google really implemented rock-solid security or made it possible, certain things would be untouchable no matter what, but they should cooperate as much as possible when presented with a warrant. Period. Frankly, it's repulsive that Apple thinks it doesn't have to comply with a lawful warrant and even more repulsive that it's trying to pretend its little kiddie devices are secure in any way. But I digress.

      There is a Canadian company that seems to understand the Fourth Amendment better than most U.S. companies.

    8. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by eam · · Score: 4, Insightful

      It is, in my opinion, acceptable for law enforcement to demand cooperation from third parties when that cooperation is limited to turning over data which the third parties have in their possession. So, for example, if Joe Smith backed up his criminal plans to Apple's servers, and Apple has access to those backups, then it would be reasonable for Apple to turn them over to law enforcement when law enforcement presents a court-issued warrant for the backups.

      The San Bernardino case was different because Apple didn't actually have the data in its possession. What the FBI wanted was not the data, but instead they wanted Apple to crack the security on the phone. One reason that is different is because it harms Apple to even admit that the cracking is possible. Apple was not a conspirator. The government should not have the ability to harm a private company to solve a case that the company is not involved in.

      Put another way, if someone used a motel room to plan a terrorist attack, it would be reasonable for law enforcement to demand, again through a warrant, that the motel manager unlock the room. However, it would not be reasonable for them to go to the company who made the locks the motel uses and insist that they provide a master key. Even if the FBI accidentally dropped the only key to the room down a sewer grate, it would still be unreasonable to have the lock manufacturer reduce the security of their product.

      Of course, all of that is just my opinion (which is what you asked for).

    9. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by mi · · Score: 1

      The "San Bernardino" case was different because [...]

      Different from what?.. You are answering the second part of the question without answering the first: is ever Ok for the police to demand other parties' cooperation?

      they also have a pretty poor track record in keeping secret data secure. How many breaches shall I cite?

      Cite two, please.

      How long before foreign governments *cough China* has access to those universal keys as well?

      Please, China already gets Apple's cooperation — the company only plays "freedom fighter" in the US, where it is safe and helps their marketing.

      --
      In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
    10. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Qzukk · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Yes, when the party in question has the key to the encryption, it is acceptable for the FBI to subpoena the party in question to provide the key. As part of due process the party in question can then attempt to quash the subpoena if it has grounds to do so.

      This is different than "write a new operating system and install it on this phone so that we can access the data without having the key" (or, if you consider the lavabit case: "rewrite your application to collect the user's key so that we can subpoena it from you" or from the traditional safe perspective "invent a new drill that can drill into your drill-proof safe"). What I want to know is whether the FBI was even planning on paying Apple for their work in developing a new operating system or were they just expecting Apple to slave away for them for free?

      --
      If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.
    11. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Qzukk · · Score: 3, Informative

      "FBI Admits It Urged Change Of Apple ID Password For Terrorist’s iPhone"

      http://www.buzzfeed.com/johnpa...

      --
      If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.
    12. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by spire3661 · · Score: 1

      War is a conflict between nation-sates. We are not at war.

      --
      Good-bye
    13. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by mi · · Score: 1, Insightful

      The San Bernardino case was different because Apple didn't actually have the data in its possession.

      Could you elaborate, why this makes a difference?

      However, it would not be reasonable for them to go to the company who made the locks the motel uses and insist that they provide a master key.

      I do not think, this is what happened... More like the FBI asked the lock-maker to pick a particular lock...

      Even if the FBI accidentally dropped the only key to the room down a sewer grate, it would still be unreasonable to have the lock manufacturer reduce the security of their product.

      Unless the FBI wanted to keep the lock pick afterwards (which they did not, AFAIK), I fail to see, how the security of the rest of us is threatened — it would've remained at Apple's discretion.

      just my opinion (which is what you asked for)

      Appreciated.

      --
      In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
    14. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by mi · · Score: 1

      "write a new operating system and install it on this phone"

      You seem to overstate the complexity of the task required here... Just a bit, no?

      --
      In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
    15. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by spire3661 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      "If they are presented with a court-ordered warrant, they should cooperate to any extent possible."

      GODDAMNIT NO! Not ANY extent. There are limits to what a court can ask. The court cannot ask for things that violate the Constitution. Warrants are not unlimited in scope in power, in fact they are supposed to very limited to enumerated specifics.

      --
      Good-bye
    16. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      Ok, here you go.

      The IRS was hacked, multiple times.

      But that's only one agency. I'm sure the rest of the Government agencies are secure, right?

      Oh wait

      It seems that anyone who filled out a background check, or was used as a reference, or who's name came up in the course of the investigation, had their information compromised.

      You were asking for two cites. Just use google to search for slashdot references, and they spill out. You don't even need to search the wider web.

    17. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Dutch+Gun · · Score: 2

      I already stated: "I have no problems with law enforcing requesting assistance in accessing encrypted data". In particular, is it acceptable to demand cooperation through the courts? Sure: that's at the heart of the All Writs Act. But I feel that in this case Apple was within its right to argue with the court that this was too far a stretch for existing legal precedent, for reasons I already stated.

      I don't believe for a minute that Apple is some saint (I don't even own an iPhone), but that doesn't mean they're not right in this case. Nor should the relationship China has with its citizens and relevant laws thereof affect our relationship with our own government. There are plenty of oppressive regimes around the world, after all. If anything, I believe it serves as a prudent warning as to what could easily happen when a government gains too much power over its citizenry. Perhaps Apple understands that better than most, having dealt with the Chinese government first-hand.

      As for two cases of high-profile government-related data breaches, let's just go with the two big ones:
      1) Disclosure of NSA's national surveillance program in the US, thanks to Edward Snowden's leaks. Had he wished, he could have leaked much more damaging information to US interests, but has chosen not to.
      2) Massive data breach at the Office of Personnel Management. Over 21 million people's personal data was compromised, including biometric data, security clearances, logins and passwords, etc.

      --
      Irony: Agile development has too much intertia to be abandoned now.
    18. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Qzukk · · Score: 2

      You seem to overstate the complexity of the task required here

      I don't believe so. There are two steps here:

      1: Build an OS that allows access to the data without knowing the key. For this particular phone this isn't that hard, since it doesn't have the secure enclave. The only thing that has to be done is to remove the timeout/lock after failing to enter the PIN so the FBI can enter all 10000 combinations from 0-0-0-0 to 9-9-9-9 and hope that the guy didn't use a longer PIN.

      2: Install this OS onto a locked phone that can no longer sync because the Apple ID password was changed.

      Just like building the Taj Mahal in two steps: Step 1: Place a brick on the ground. Step 2: build the Taj Mahal.

      --
      If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.
    19. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I thank Dutch Gun for pointing out that I missed the larger picture. Here, we're talking in terms of 'hacking', but if the target is attractive enough, you will have State Actors engage in outright spying, in the cold war sense. And the master keys to the backdoor would be an attractive enough target to engage in real spying to get them.

      Since you mention the Chinese, this would give them not just access to phones in their own country, but access to phones wherever those key(s) were used.

    20. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by medv4380 · · Score: 1

      It's still very much constitutional for a judge to issue a warrant to search my home given probable cause. Now if Apple hasn't made their walled garden, and done just about everything they could to stop people from jail breaking phone then I'd agree with you. But the way Apple has behaved in regards to their phone they try to play the game of Land Lord, and in that case this is no different than a land lord being issued a warrant to have the home searched of a murder suspect. Now if you're going to insist that it's "unconstitutional" you're going to need to quote chapter and verse with a given argument. Otherwise it's the same old "unconstitutional" claim whenever something is done that one side or the other doesn't like. It's unconstitutional to propose a constitutional amendment to the 14th amendment. It's unconstitutional for any law you don't like, and that's all this argument has ever been.

    21. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by tlhIngan · · Score: 2

      It's still very much constitutional for a judge to issue a warrant to search my home given probable cause. Now if Apple hasn't made their walled garden, and done just about everything they could to stop people from jail breaking phone then I'd agree with you. But the way Apple has behaved in regards to their phone they try to play the game of Land Lord, and in that case this is no different than a land lord being issued a warrant to have the home searched of a murder suspect. Now if you're going to insist that it's "unconstitutional" you're going to need to quote chapter and verse with a given argument. Otherwise it's the same old "unconstitutional" claim whenever something is done that one side or the other doesn't like. It's unconstitutional to propose a constitutional amendment to the 14th amendment. It's unconstitutional for any law you don't like, and that's all this argument has ever been.

      Apple did not get a warrant to build the software. A warrant demands information that exists. Apple got a warrant for information Apple had stored for the phone - i.e., iTunes purchase history, iCloud data, including backups, etc, which they complied with fully.

      The FBI had the courts do an ex-parte (the affected party is not part of the proceedings, i.e., Apple's presence wasn't requested or required) ruling to use the All Writs Act to create a writ on Apple - Apple is to create the software.

      That's the request - Apple must create the software. Apple was not part of the proceedings (they were not required to be, and probably didn't even know about it). All Apple got one day was a court order forcing them to create the software.

      Yes, Apple had no say in this - they feds came knocking and said "create this piece of software". Apple objected, and per their rights, sought a motion to vacate the order. And that's where this whole case blew up - Apple was ordered to create the software, Apple didn't want to, and was exercising their legal rights. Now what happened was the FBI withdrew their request that Apple create the software.

      Using your example, say the murderer used some special kind of lock that is unpickable. They have a warrant to search the premises but can't get through the lock. So what the FBI did was use the courts to force the lock maker to create a key for them - the lock maker was not a part of the court case, it just got the request that said "you must create a key to unlock this lock".

    22. Re: Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The phone in question was a work phone bought by a branch of government.

      On the same argument that I should be able to unDRM movies that I legally purchased, I should also be able to UnDRM my own stuff. The government should also be able to do the same.

    23. Re: Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Which clause / amendment does unlocking a phone violate?

    24. Re: Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Writing code for an OS to disable it's own security is quite evident and easy for those with source code. See any Unix flavour open source software build.

      Only delusional people who think your data is safe on someone else's device. Even with a security chip, I could easily build a version of the OS that would save the user's password somewhere I could access or even have a hidden backdoor on the security chip.

    25. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by acoustix · · Score: 1

      War is a conflict between nation-sates. We are not at war.

      This is the correct answer.

      And to the GP (AC) - the constitution is to be followed at all times. Nowhere is it stated that the government is free to do as they please in an emergency.

      --
      "A plan fiendishly clever in its intricacies"- Homer Simpson
    26. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Sloppy · · Score: 1

      Is it ever in, your opinion, acceptable for the law enforcement to demand (through courts) other parties' cooperation in accessing encrypted data?

      Mu.

      It's not ever acceptable for other parties to have the capacity to help (except maybe to lend their supercomputers). If a cryptosystem can be modified to reveal (without the attacker knowing the key) something that is already encrypted, then that cryptosystem is hopelessly defective to a comical degree. (Why isn't this bloody-fucking-obvious to everyone?) If GnuPG or LUKS or TrueCrypt could be beaten with "just call the hardware manufacturer" everyone would be totally freaking out. It's unimaginable.

      But that said I think the iPhone 5C case is less of a big deal than a hypothetical LUKS screwup, because nobody expects a phone that can be unlocked with a 4-digit PIN to have anything other than a joke toy cryptosystem. (And to Apple's credit, it sounds like their system is a lot better than that, but if you only have 10k possible keys, this is a hopeless situation no matter what.) If I'm mistaken about expectations and Apple actually marketed it as secure by modern standards, to cash in on post-Snowden concerns, then this might be a case for different sorts of lawyers than the ones that work for the ACLU. Better Call Saul. That's totally regardless of whatever the FBI did: it's not a secure system, period, because we know that Apple can beat it by giving it a firmware update. They wouldn't fight unless the attack would work.

      ...

      As to your original question, we need to take it out of its overshadowing absurd context. Once I do that, it sounds like you're asking if we support or oppose The Draft. I'll put myself down as opposing. Thanks for asking. ;-) But if Uncle Sam points his gun at my face and says I'm going to Afghanistan, I better think fast or else I still might end up there.

      --
      As copyright owner of this comment, I authorize everyone to defeat any technological measure which limits access to it.
    27. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by HiThere · · Score: 1

      No...but was the state of emergency declared during WWII ever canceled?

      --

      I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
    28. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Using your example, say the murderer used some special kind of lock that is unpickable. They have a warrant to search the premises but can't get through the lock. So what the FBI did was use the courts to force the lock maker to create a key for them - the lock maker was not a part of the court case, it just got the request that said "you must create a key to unlock this lock".

      More than this. They require that the lock maker, at large expense (say a years income) to himself, create a master key that will open any lock anywhere that was made by his company. Then it comes out later, that despite their claims that they only want it for this one lock, they really intended all the time to use it on every lock made by this maker.

    29. Re: Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      start with the fourth.and lets add the 13th as well.

    30. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "write a new operating system and install it on this phone"

      You seem to overstate the complexity of the task required here... Just a bit, no?

      No,

      This is exactly what the FBI was explicitly demanding with the court order. That is what all the hullabaloo was about. That and the information that came out that, despite their claims that it was only about this one phone, they had hundreds more it their possession that they were going to demand Apple install the broken OS onto right after they got this one, Then dozens of police departments around the country started piping up that if the FBI got this created they would immediately start seeking court orders for Apple to give them the "fbiOS" as well.

      And the Lavabit thing really happened. The company had to go out of business to avoid having to give up their master key, IIRC the owner almost went to jail over shutting down rather than give in.

    31. Re: Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And they could have, had they installed the management software like any competent IT group would have. Or perhaps not changed the icloud password so the phone couldn't sync anymore and give them the data that way. It's almost like they deliberately caused a scenario where they had no option to get into the phone but require a custom OS be written to break Apple's security in the most dramatic way possible.

      Nah, our government would never do anything like that /sarcasm

    32. Re: Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Go read the 13th Amendment and get back to me.

    33. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      War is a conflict between nation-sates.

      Who decides what is and isn't a state? Certainly the British didn't regard the American colonists as constituting a state and yet we fought a war against them just the same. I prefer the definition given by Paul Muad'Dib in the Dune novels wherein he asserts that the power to destroy a thing is the power to control a thing. Surely that must be the definition of statehood; The power to destroy utterly those in opposition either to compel their submission or their annihilation. In the meantime, who can say what is and isn't a state? Sometimes it takes a war to know for sure.

    34. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well that and who is going to buy this 'new' phone.. not I..

    35. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      OK, so how does that show in any way that Apple "2) Apple unlocked the phone data for the FBI when asked." or that the FBI "3) The FBI "lost" the password for the data that Apple had already provided in a manner that also meant Apple could not simply repeat what they did in step 2."

      I see the FBI resetting the password (or having it reset, whatever) to gain access to the data, but I see nowhere that they already had the data, or that they lost any password they already had.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    36. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by eam · · Score: 1

      > Could you elaborate, why this makes a difference?

      I have to admit that the difference I mentioned was more of a feeling I have, but let me try to figure out why I feel that way.

      If Apple had the data, they could hand it over without suggesting any vulnerability that wasn't already known to exist. In this case, they no longer had access to the data. They had to create access to the data. For me, that active creation of a vulnerability where none existed before is the core of the distinction.

      I'd also like to mention that there are other aspects of the San Bernadino case that make me uncomfortable.

      The idea that any private citizen of the U.S. should just roll over for the government is ridiculous. Apple wasn't acting illegally. All Apple wanted was to legally respond to the warrant. They believed that the law was on their side, and they were willing to argue that point. They have the right to do so. The government seemed to want to make the case that Apple should just obey. I applaud Apple for telling the government that they would not submit without a fight.

      Based on what I've read, the goal was not merely to get the data off that phone. I don't believe the FBI needed or cared about what was on that phone. If there was anything useful on it, the terrorists would have attempted to destroy it as they did with the other two (everything I've seen said they didn't bother). I think the only thing the FBI was interested in was setting a precedent for breaking or weakening encryption.

      I believe that the FBI was always going to come back for more. I don't think they would have kept the lock pick. Instead they would have just kept coming back to Apple to recreate it. I think the ultimate goal was to try to prevent tech companies from coming up with encryption that the government couldn't break.

      If the government can break the encryption, so can other groups. Unfriendly governments, criminal organizations, and even terrorists could discover the means to break encryption. Once that happens, we all become even more vulnerable.

      Of course, all those groups are already breaking our security, but I think the goal should be to make it stronger not weaker.

      In the interests of full disclosure, I also believe that the FBI & US government in general have used the terrorist attacks to unnecessarily limit the rights of citizens. I believe accounts which state that the USA PATRIOT act was written well before the 9/11 attack, and the government was just waiting for the appropriate justification to get it enacted. I think they play on the fears of weak minded Americans to increase what we'll put up with and distract us from their true goal of keeping a docile, cooperative populace. Personally, I'd rather die at the hands of a terrorist than give up my freedoms to ensure a longer enslavement.

      Also, the history of the FBI tells us we shouldn't trust them. Too many abuses have occured. The only thing that can prevent future abuses is vigilance on the part of the citizens and an active defense of our civil rights.

    37. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      in investigations the authorities often come up 'locked doors' they cannot themselves open.
      it is normal in such circumstances to request assistance from a 3rd party, such as a locksmith or the manufacturer.
      this is reasonable and acceptable, does not violate the constitution, and has established due process rules.

    38. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anubis+IV · · Score: 2

      Due process. The Constitution is pretty clear. [...] If they are presented with a court-ordered warrant, they should cooperate to any extent possible. [...] Frankly, it's repulsive that Apple thinks it doesn't have to comply with a lawful warrant

      You seem to be woefully ignorant of a few important facts:
      1) Contrary to your statement, Apple complied with the warrants that were issued, turning over all of the data that they had on the suspects under investigation, and they even provided engineers to assist the FBI in applying known techniques to recover data the FBI had but was unable to access.

      2) As you likely know, warrants have limits. If a cop is on his way to serving a warrant at a drug den, he can't conscript pedestrians he passes on the street to assist him in serving the warrant. Warrants don't work like that. They can't compel assistance from third-parties. All they can do is compel you to turn over something in your possession, but Apple never had the iPhone's data, nor a means to access it, so a warrant cannot demand those from Apple.

      3) The government is using a writ to compel Apple in this case. Writs are not Constitutionally-enshrined, and they're typically just used to fill procedural holes, but they actually can be used to compel action, provided the writ doesn't contradict other laws. That fact is laid out plainly in the 1789 All Writs Act that established them in modern American law. Unfortunately for the government, there's a law on the books (see: CALEA) that explicitly denies the government the right to demand that telecommunication device manufacturers modify hardware or software in response to a request of this nature (see section 1002).

      4) If the whole point of due process is that both sides get to have their day in court, then due process never occurred here. This writ was issued ex parte, this is, at a hearing where Apple was explicitly excluded. Really, you could say that due process only began when Apple filed its appeal.

      5) A warrant gives the government the right to violate your right to be secure in your person and papers, but because we're presumed innocent until proven guilty, if there's a question regarding the legality of a court order (and there aren't extenuating circumstances, of course), it's better to sort those questions out before someone's rights may have been unlawfully violated. This is particularly true if the government is testing out a new legal theory that is not widely accepted (e.g. it was shot down just a few weeks prior at a similar case in New York) but that they trying to get established as precedent. Especially so when the precedent would have wide-ranging effects across an entire society.

      6) As others pointed out, no, you are not required (legally or otherwise) to cooperate to any extent possible. We are not slaves to the government. When the government inevitably oversteps its bounds it's our obligation to take steps to ensure that the government is restored to its rightful place. How you choose to fulfill that obligation is left to you, but the four boxes are the typical means by which we do so.

    39. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by david_thornley · · Score: 1

      What the FBI asked for was a crack specialized to that one phone, and specified that the actual cracking could by done at an Apple facility, provided the FBI got access to the information. If the order had stood, it would have (a) been a precedent, and (b) forced Apple to create such a tool, which means they could be forced to apply it whenever the court ordered (the All Writs act has been held to compel a third party to use a tool they already had). While the actual court order was for one phone, the effect would have been general. I don't see how you can distinguish on that basis.

      --
      "When you have eliminated the unacceptable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truthiness" - Holmes
    40. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by spire3661 · · Score: 1

      Correct, however they can only ASK, they cannot compel. If the third party says 'go pound sand' the government is powerless to do anything about that.

      --
      Good-bye
    41. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's still very much constitutional for a judge to issue a warrant to search my home given probable cause.

      Depends. The US legal profession finds it convenient to ignore their obligations under the 9th Amendment (unspecified rights retained by the people), and the 10th Amendment (unspecified rights reserved to the people). Any action of government contrary to such rights is illegal, and hence the warrant may be illegal.

      For example, it has been known for decades that the laws against hemp were based on Great Depression-Era policies intended to eliminate Mexicans (who in that era smoked pot, and held jobs that nobody wanted until the Great Depression happened). That in itself makes the laws against marijuana illegal (and all actions taken under those laws), and certainly the actions of states such as Co in legalizing marijuana are far more then sufficient to establish a right "retained by the people". As such, for a judge to issue a warrant to search a home on probable cause of possession of marijuana is in fact illegal and unconstitutional.

      By definition, rights retained by the people are retained by the people. No judge (or group of judges) can take away such rights, for they would no longer be retained by the people - a contradiction. Their responsibility in such cases is to block illegal government action, not aid and abet it.

      If this point has not been recognized by some (many) in the US legal profession, it can be presumed that is the result of ethical conflict of interest and hence unethical practice of law. As government officials and legal professionals have many potential ethical conflicts of interest with respect to the 9th Amendment, it's often difficult to get them to do the right thing in a wide variety of situations. That's why slavery lasted so long, requiring a Civil War to end, and why we continue to have so many problems with US law.

      Now if you're going to insist that it's "unconstitutional" you're going to need to quote chapter and verse with a given argument.

      In a surprising number of such cases, the 'chapter' will be 'Bill of Rights', and the 'verses' with be '9th Amendment', '10th Amendment'. The public does have a right to long term oversight over government, and a right to know when actions taken by the government can potentially infringe rights retained by them, including the right to privacy (certainly one of the most fundamental rights arising under the 9th Amendment).

    42. Re:Question to fellow Slashdotters by EndlessNameless · · Score: 1

      Americans thought it was a war between two states; the British thought it was a national response to armed insurrection.

      The Revolutionary War is only a war in hindsight. If the USA lost, it would have been nothing more than a colonial insurrection---and certainly not the first in recorded history.

      There are different types of armed conflict, but war as defined by the Geneva Conventions involves nations. As the only legal covenant which is binding on most of the civilized world, its definition is the most sensible to use.

      Thus, the wars on drugs, terrors, etc are merely colloquialisms.

      --

      ---
      According to the latest ruleset, this post should be modded as Vorpal Flamebait +5.
  3. WTF by Hentes · · Score: 3, Insightful

    So Apple complied with the requests in drug cases but started a big fight over a terrorist? Did they change their policy or is there a technical difference between the cases?

    1. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Please see a comment above for the most succinct answer to your question - https://apple.slashdot.org/com...

    2. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So Apple complied with the requests in drug cases but started a big fight over a terrorist? Did they change their policy or is there a technical difference between the cases?

      Publicity.

      Apple stood up the the US DoJ.

      Apple doesn't even try to stand up to the Chinese Communist government:

      Why did Apple 'let China see its secret data for security checks' but is now refusing to unlock San Bernardino terrorist's iPhone?

      ...

      China had threatened to restrict sale of Apple devices if it did not comply

      ...

      Oh, yeah.

    3. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's a PR thing. If Apple complied with the FBI demands, then people(consumers) will think that their products are not secure/private (which they aren't). By standing against the government demands they showed the world that they're "pro-privacy". Of course it's all just for PR, almost all consumer products are data mining devices which collect information about you and this is then sent to various government agencies. The only difference with this case is that allowing a pre-installed backdoor would make remote listening much easier, and it seems that hasn't been done yet (but I don't trust Apple or other tech companies not to have such software in their next products).

    4. Re:WTF by Space+cowboy · · Score: 3, Funny

      If you believe *anything* in the Daily Mail, I have a Loch Ness Monster to sell you.

      Actually, given the readership of the Daily Mail, this could be the missing link!

      Step 1: Locate Daily Mail reader
      Step 2: "Sell" Daily Mail reader the Loch Ness monster. <---- This is the new bit!
      Step 3: Profit!

      --
      Physicists get Hadrons!
    5. Re:WTF by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      The funniest part of the whole case was that it was a government owned phone. The FBI should have been able to gain access without any issue, but Apple decided that they wouldn't help in this specific case...

      Though all the conspiracy theories going around do come very close for second place.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    6. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Your 'reading' of the 'facts' shows you shouldn't be on a technical website. Please go back to facebook where the daily mail is an acceptable source.

    7. Re:WTF by Gr8Apes · · Score: 1

      The funniest part of the whole case was that it was a government owned phone. The FBI should have been able to gain access without any issue, but

      Incorrect, Apple was still happy to have the government access the phone, as that's a simple factory reset. What the government wanted was the data, which was still possible until the FBI purposefully removed the only avenue by having the iCloud account password reset. All of a sudden, the only way in was through the locks. I'm pretty sure those locks will be even harder to circumvent come the iphone7. Android manufacturers will likely follow shortly thereafter, as they all seem to be taking a following role in this particular fight.

      Simple side note here - if the government had been properly managing its devices and maintaining their own backups, none of this would have mattered.

      --
      The cesspool just got a check and balance.
    8. Re:WTF by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      The FBI and city of San Bernadino both have a legal right to access the data, so why is it Apple's choice about if they will help them? Also, why the big fight over this one, when they are more than happy to open up iPhones in other cases?

      Simple side note here - if the government had been properly managing its devices and maintaining their own backups, none of this would have mattered.

      As someone who does this job for a government agency, I totally agree. It is not Apples prerogative however to deny a city, state, fed, or even company's access to their data.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    9. Re:WTF by Holi · · Score: 1

      You actually found a step 2? Bravo sir, Bravo.

      --
      Sorry, teleporters just kill you and then make a copy. A perfect, soul-less copy.
    10. Re:WTF by Frosty+Piss · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The FBI and city of San Bernadino both have a legal right to access the data, so why is it Apple's choice about if they will help them?

      Sure, at the very least, San Bernardino has a "right" to the data on the phone. That is separate and different from saying that Apple is obligated to crack the phone for them.

      --
      If you want news from today, you have to come back tomorrow.
    11. Re:WTF by raymorris · · Score: 1

      > The FBI and city of San Bernadino both have a legal right to access the data, so why is it Apple's choice about if they will help them?

      I have a legal right to shit in a cup, smear it all over my balls, then rub my shit-covered balls against the wall, so why is it your choice whether you will help me do so?

    12. Re:WTF by Gr8Apes · · Score: 1

      The FBI and city of San Bernadino both have a legal right to access the data, so why is it Apple's choice about if they will help them? Also, why the big fight over this one, when they are more than happy to open up iPhones in other cases?... It is not Apples prerogative however to deny a city, state, fed, or even company's access to their data.

      So I have a government bought business card and I write a note on it and then burn it. Is Hallmark obligated to help recover my note? That's analogous to what the government wanted from Apple.

      --
      The cesspool just got a check and balance.
    13. Re:WTF by Hentes · · Score: 1

      Interesting.. So Apple was willing to get the data from the phone, they just don't want to tell how they did it? I guess that makes sense, in a way.

    14. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      There was technical reasons that the request was different than simply unlocking a phone but I understand you're either too stupid or too lazy or too much of a fagboy to understand that.

      I'm so disgusted that so many of you faggots are willing to spin this into an "Apple wuvs two Islame!!!!1!!!111!!!" shit instead of seeing the government for what it is: A petty, totalitarian fucking thug who'd smash your nuts in and skin your children alive if it served their purposes... or even if it didn't.

      You're a good little goose stepper.

    15. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No one ever talks about this, but it's entirely possible that Apple could see the way the data requests were going and didn't like the look of their future. That is to say, ever increasing numbers of access requests, ever increasing gag orders, and ever less ability for Apple to request documentation verifying the requests and/or the case circumstances.

      If Apple management saw a trend developing where eventually they have to do anything & everything the government wants, because government, they might have decided to call a halt. Challenge the requests and the authority they derive from.

      In which case that would be a change in Apple policy.

      Most of these companies want to be good corporate citizens and stay on the government's good side. There has been ample documentation of corporate support of government spying. What has been interesting is to see is the tech sector developing a spine and saying that enough is enough. Even in the face of majority support by average citizens for such spying.

      The Three Letter Agencies have had it good these last 15 years. I predict this will be known as a Golden Age of surveillance and spying, TLA expansion, political support for every bureaucrat's program dreams, on and on. The internet itself became a technological platform enabling vast data mining operations. The networks of the past were fragmented and used a wide range of technologies.

    16. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It also begs the question as to why did San Bernadino provide a phone w/o proper admin controls available? Any God damn Windows Phone would have allowed them to decrypt the data as both MS and the County would have the needed master key to do so. Simply put, from a business standpoint, I as the owner/employer can not provide Apple Products (Phone/iPad) to my employees even though they're cheaper then the Windows versions simply due to Fidicuary Responsibility since if the idiot gets hit by a bus, I can not recover the files/notes/what-ever you were working on due to this lack.

      Capthca: Phrase

    17. Re:WTF by mrchaotica · · Score: 1

      The FBI and city of San Bernadino both have a legal right to access the data, so why is it Apple's choice about if they will help them?

      First, because the court order didn't ask for Apple to help access only that data, it asked Apple to provide a tool for the government to access all data, including on any other iPhone (of the same model, at least) owned by other people. Second, because the court order compelled speech: it required Apple to write new code, and code is speech. The First Amendment guarantees right to free speech, which also includes the right to refrain from speaking.

      --

      "[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz

    18. Re:WTF by AHuxley · · Score: 1

      Think back to PRISM. That worked well for both the brand and gov but could not be mentioned in court or to the press.
      An entire generation of older cell phones had older tech that could be recovered per device so that covers the past legal "help" question.

      The next step was for the US gov to ask for a master key that the gov could use on any phone for any reason and that the brand would have to make.
      The US gov would have conscripted a computer system that they could use for generations of phones without oversight on any phone by anyone who worked with or for law enforcement. A master key in the hands of ex staff, former staff, anyone who could pay for the service.
      A masterkey for any state, federal or international use. Shared at a city, state, federal and with international teams, that key could be used or sold by anyone for any reason.
      Junk crypto that can be accessed on any computer to open generations of phones is very poor policy around the world.

      --
      Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
    19. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Don't forget the 13th. The government was effectively enslaving the engineers of the corporation by forcing them to work against their will without recompense when they had not been convicted of any crime. And now even felons in prison cannot be required to work against their will so they had fewer rights than convicted criminals.

    20. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, Apple was willing to get data from the phone when it was possible, typically through the icloud backups. But the FBI brilliantly changed the icloud password and broke that avenue, almost like they intended to set up a scenario that would require Apple break the OS to get in.

    21. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Simply put, from a business standpoint, I as the owner/employer can not provide Apple Products (Phone/iPad) to my employees even though they're cheaper then the Windows versions simply due to Fidicuary Responsibility since if the idiot gets hit by a bus, I can not recover the files/notes/what-ever you were working on due to this lack.

      You can if you install the proper MDM software, which apparently San Bernadino county IT didn't or you don't change the icloud password to lock out the device, which the FBI did. Seems like their IT group needs to be fired for cause and replaced with one that will do their job properly. Even with using my own phone and not a company owned one setting it up to access my work email account gives our IT group management options to lock, wipe or reset my phone. If I ever leave I have to make sure to put my phone in airplane mode and delete the work account before they do that as part of the exit process.

    22. Re:WTF by Coren22 · · Score: 0

      Apple hardware cheaper than Windows hardware? What world do you live in?

      Even used, iPhones are expensive, whereas you can get Windows phones for $30. On the project I am working to bring phones to employees, AT&T is even giving them to us for free...without contract.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    23. Re:WTF by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      So, Apple helps out in other cases, but this one, this one is just not going to happen!

      Seems like an odd stance to take when they have no problem doing it in many other cases.

      http://www.thedailybeast.com/a...

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    24. Re:WTF by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      You know, I'm having trouble finding where they asked Apple to "it asked Apple to provide a tool for the government to access all data", can you point to it in the order?

      https://www.documentcloud.org/...

      I see where it says they want a tool that is keyed to this specific phone, so it would be rather inconsistent to also ask for a tool to unlock any phone they like. After all, that isn't how the legal system works, they have to get permission from a judge to unlock every single phone.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    25. Re:WTF by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      Bullshit. They would have paid fair rates for the work, as they do every other time they ask for assistance from companies.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    26. Re:WTF by jittles · · Score: 1

      You know, I'm having trouble finding where they asked Apple to "it asked Apple to provide a tool for the government to access all data", can you point to it in the order?

      https://www.documentcloud.org/...

      I see where it says they want a tool that is keyed to this specific phone, so it would be rather inconsistent to also ask for a tool to unlock any phone they like. After all, that isn't how the legal system works, they have to get permission from a judge to unlock every single phone.

      You obviously do not understand how the software update process works. What they requested Apple to do would have worked on every single iPhone 5c in the world. It may have worked on other model phones, as well. They were asking for a master key for all iPhone 5Cs. And why should the FBI get it? If the NSA is doing its job, they have already illegally captured all the meta data for communications going into and out of the phone. San Bernadino County could have configured the device properly. The FBI could have left the iCloud account password as Farook set it. The FBI is also free to use as many super computers as they'd like to crack the data on the phone. Since when is it's Apple's duty to undermine their own product line to help the FBI? And finally what's so important on this phone that it was worth all this effort to break into? Probably nothing. He had a personal phone which he intentionally destroyed. He intentionally destroyed all of his personal storage media. Why would anyone think he is smart enough to destroy all of that but dumb enough to use his work phone which could have been phoning home to his employer? Are you saying that it's worth sacrificing more liberty to unlock this phone? Does it bring back the dead people? Prevent this dead person from killing more people? No. It does no good to anyone except people who want more power inside of the FBI.

    27. Re:WTF by Gr8Apes · · Score: 1

      It's one thing to open something that can be opened, it is another to build a completely new toolset (gratis) to open a locked box. Take a lock box at a bank. They cannot be opened by the manufacturer. Someone has to be paid to come out and drill it out properly, which is analogous to what happened with the San Bernardino phone.

      --
      The cesspool just got a check and balance.
    28. Re:WTF by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      Page 10 of the linked document (retyped due to no copy paste)

      Importantly, the SIF would be created with a unique identifier of the SUBJECT DEVICE so that the SIF would [underlined]only[underlined in text] load and execute on the SUBJECT DEVICE

      So, no, I don't think I am misunderstanding anything. It sounds like you might be falling for the propaganda that Apple is putting out there though. The order is right there in black and white, you can read the thing for yourself.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    29. Re:WTF by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      No one asked Apple to make a free patch. It was to be paid for.

      Many times the police will contract with safe manufacturers to break into a safe they need access to. Also, the banks will open a safety deposit box for the police with a warrant, so I am not sure why they would have someone drill it out. You could even have a locksmith pick the lock, it isn't like those locks are especially secure.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    30. Re:WTF by david_thornley · · Score: 1

      Look, maybe I should get the Easter Bunny to explain it to you. You do believe in the Easter Bunny, don't you? You do seem to implicitly trust the FBI.

      Since I don't...the FBI wrote it as a request to break one phone, and then used it in a context where it would both create a precedent and force Apple to create a tool. After the FBI got the useless information from the phone, they had a batch of phones lined up for the exact same treatment.

      The phone almost certainly didn't have useful information on it, or the shooter would have destroyed it along with his personal phone. If it had had useful information on it, it was likely obsolete and of no further use. If the FBI had wanted to get the data in a timely fashion, they could have earlier. Instead, they ordered the county government to break the access they had.

      --
      "When you have eliminated the unacceptable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truthiness" - Holmes
    31. Re:WTF by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      Your conspiracy theories of what the FBI may be up to have nothing to do with the entirely wrong things that were said. Your belief in the Easter Bunny notwithstanding.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    32. Re:WTF by Gr8Apes · · Score: 1

      No one asked Apple to make a free patch. It was to be paid for.

      Many times the police will contract with safe manufacturers to break into a safe they need access to. Also, the banks will open a safety deposit box for the police with a warrant, so I am not sure why they would have someone drill it out. You could even have a locksmith pick the lock, it isn't like those locks are especially secure.

      I don't recall seeing anything in the order about a contract being negotiated or a payment to be determined. It was just "you will assist".

      The bank I use has to hire a contractor to drill out the safety deposit box if the keys are lost. There are no other options. I'm sure if picking the lock would be easily done, then that option would be used.

      --
      The cesspool just got a check and balance.
    33. Re:WTF by Mr.+Shotgun · · Score: 1

      The FBI and city of San Bernadino both have a legal right to access the data, so why is it Apple's choice about if they will help them?

      You locked yourself out of your car, why am I obligated to help you get into it?

      It is not Apples prerogative however to deny a city, state, fed, or even company's access to their data.

      By refusing to assist you in unlocking your car I am not denying you access, I am simply not assisting you.

      --
      Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the (supposed) good of its victims may be the most oppressive
    34. Re:WTF by ebvwfbw · · Score: 1

      The whole thing is stupid. I have a feeling nothing was even on the phone. Let's see, these are fundamentalists that think the US is evil and can't be trusted. Yet they would trust Apple? Ok, maybe these were stupid people.

      Does anyone think that their phone can't be hacked/cracked? Especially when there's a nation state trying to get to it? I wouldn't bet on it.

      Would apple helping the FBI change my using an apple phone - Nope.

      The other one is stupid - the guy saying it can't be backed up. I had a Government phone issued by an agency. I could reset or lose the sucker and they'll put it back the way it was. All my files, keys, contacts, works.

      Didn't know windows phones are so cheap. Guess everyone knows they're not worth anything.

    35. Re:WTF by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So I have a government bought business card and I write a note on it and then burn it. Is Hallmark obligated to help recover my note? That's analogous to what the government wanted from Apple.

      Not quite, a better description would be you wrote a note and sealed it in the envelope, then the FBI came in and burned the whole thing and THEN demanded that Hallmark invent a way to recover the note from the ashes.

    36. Re:WTF by david_thornley · · Score: 1

      Let's look at the situation. The San Bernardino shooters destroyed their own phones, presumably to stop the FBI from getting useful information from them. One shooter had a work phone, which the FBI had access to, which might have had something useful on it. The FBI ordered the country government to change the password on it, rendering it inaccessible. About a couple of months later, the FBI decided it needed to get the information off that phone, and got an ex parte court order for Apple to do certain specific things to break the security, without bothering to inform Apple.

      Now, let's ask ourselves how we'd expect the FBI to act if it actually wanted that information. They'd want to get it as soon as possible, when it would be most useful. They could ask Apple, which would help, and Apple had the ability to get the information, I believe through iCloud. No need for anything further. Now, assume the FBI had screwed up royally when handling this early on, and decided later that it needed the security broken. The obvious thing to do is to talk to Apple about breaking it, to find how best to get the information, and attempt to enlist their cooperation. Apple had always cooperated with legal requests. If they found they needed a court order, they could get one ordering Apple to get the information in some manner, without specifying in detail what they wanted Apple to do.

      In short, either the FBI is incredibly incompetent, or they had some ulterior motive. There were much better ways to get useful information than to make the relations with Apple adversarial from the start.

      The court order directed Apple to write a certain variant of its operating system and to install it on the phone. When Apple raised legal objections, the FBI suggested handing source code and signing keys over to the FBI. When it became apparent that Apple had good legal arguments, the FBI dropped the request and resorted to a method of attack that had been known about for a long time.

      If Apple had written that OS, they would have created a tool for cracking iPhones, and by the All Writs act could be ordered to use it on other phones, and indeed there were reports that there were a large number of phones lined up. The fact that the initial order specified an OS that could be used on only one phone was a distraction, because Apple would have been ordered to do the same thing for many phones.

      Clearly, the FBI intent was to make Apple make an iOS-cracking tool, and the FBI suggested that Apple allow the FBI to use it. This would destroy iPhone security for at least the 5C on back, and the FBI has a history of misusing the law and any personal information it can get.

      --
      "When you have eliminated the unacceptable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truthiness" - Holmes
    37. Re:WTF by EndlessNameless · · Score: 1

      The FBI and city of San Bernadino both have a legal right to access the data, so why is it Apple's choice about if they will help them?

      The city should have backups and recovery keys if they intend to recover data from an encrypted device. Yes, they own the data, and that means they are responsible for ensuring the availability and integrity of their data.

      On iPhone 5 and older, there is no secure enclave and Apple can push iOS updates without the device being unlocked. During development, Apple chose to create versions of iOS that always wiped crypto keys on repeated PIN failures. They have never created a product that can recover or unlock these phones---not for customers, not for testing.

      The government wants Apple to create a product that does not exist. This product, if it were ever leaked, would seriously undermine the privacy and security of all iOS users.

      And what is the chance of government systems being compromised? Given the hacks of OPM (basically, the federal HR department), NMCI (Navy/Marines intranet), and the State Department---I'd say that is a legitimate concern.

      --

      ---
      According to the latest ruleset, this post should be modded as Vorpal Flamebait +5.
  4. F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    I'll start giving a damn about the ACLU when they start treating all our rights as fundamental - not just the ones they like.

    1. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      The ACLU believes we should all have freedom from ever seeing any religious practice. I don't even know how you could say they believe in any freedoms.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    2. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'll start giving a damn about the ACLU when they start treating all our rights as fundamental - not just the ones they like.

      If you care about your rights don't vote for Hillary as the next president will likely get to appoint up to 5 Supreme Court Justices and we all know that Hillary already believes the SCOTUS got it wrong on the Second Amendment.

    3. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Why would the ACLU waste resources when it knows the NRA has 2nd amendment issues covered?

    4. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Freedom from other people's bullshit is the most important freedom there is.

    5. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      So, you want the freedom to take other people's freedoms because you are a bigot?

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    6. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Holi · · Score: 1

      The ACLU has been quite clear on their interpretation of the 2nd Amendment (a collective right not an individual right). An opinion that was shared by TPTB up until Heller.

      --
      Sorry, teleporters just kill you and then make a copy. A perfect, soul-less copy.
    7. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Holi · · Score: 0

      Sounds pretty American to me.

      --
      Sorry, teleporters just kill you and then make a copy. A perfect, soul-less copy.
    8. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by jafiwam · · Score: 1

      Why would the ACLU waste resources when it knows the NRA has 2nd amendment issues covered?

      The ACLU is actually against the 2nd Amendment. Here it is in their own words: https://www.aclu.org/second-amendment

      They view it as a "collective right" whereas all the rest of the amendments are individual rights. Basically, _someone_ can own a gun, but just not _you_ for arbitrary and whatever reasons they want.

      And, begrudgingly admit they don't like the Heller decision.

      This speaks volumes for what and why they fight for things. They are not straight up "for the constitution" or "for rights" they are for "a certain brand of leftist rights" This is also why they will never get any money, nor any positive words from me.

    9. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Can't we all agree that morons regardless of dental health should not be allowed to play with guns? Gun owners should at least need to show they know which end of the gun spits death before a purchase is allowed at the very least.

    10. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The ACLU has been quite clear on their interpretation of the 2nd Amendment (a collective right not an individual right). An opinion that was shared by TPTB up until Heller.

      And both the ACLU and said powers were wrong. It is quite clear in both wording and historical context that all 10 amendments in the BOR refer to individual rights. Heller set the record straight, and brought the courts back in line with the original intent of the 2nd (or at least should have; note that many lower courts are still issuing unconstitutional rulings that infringe on the rights of the people).

    11. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The ACLU has been quite clear on their interpretation of the 2nd Amendment (a collective right not an individual right). An opinion that was shared by TPTB up until Heller.

      Riiiiight.

      Because in the midst of a bunch of amendments all guaranteeing that the government in not free to infringe upon fundamental rights of individuals, ONE that YOU don't like uses the same wording as all the others to name a "collective" right - all because of one EXPLANATORY clause that in no way LIMITS the right in question as all it does is provide ONE reason for said right.

      Nice try, Thalidomide brain.

      NOT!

      YOU ARE FULL OF SHIT AND TOO FUCKING STUPID TO KNOW IT

    12. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by pauljlucas · · Score: 2

      The ACLU believes no such thing. However, they do believe that no religious practice should in any way have anything to do with the government. Sorry if you don't get the distinction.

      --
      If you reply, do so only to what I explicitly wrote. If I didn't write it, don't assume or infer it.
    13. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by Coren22 · · Score: 1

      Sadly it does.

      --
      APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
    14. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by david_thornley · · Score: 1

      Why? They stand up for a lot of rights, some of them highly unpopular. Do they have to stand up equally for each and every one, or can they use their limited resources more strategically?

      For example, there are already large and powerful organizations defending Second Amendment rights. Why would the ACLU need to add to that effort with money that could go to another First Amendment case (there being no comparable organizations for the First)?

      --
      "When you have eliminated the unacceptable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truthiness" - Holmes
    15. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by david_thornley · · Score: 1

      On the other hand, most Republican candidates seem to think the SCOTUS got it wrong on the First Amendment. The obvious answer is to support Bernie.

      --
      "When you have eliminated the unacceptable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truthiness" - Holmes
    16. Re:F the ACLU until they defend the 2nd amendment by david_thornley · · Score: 1

      The Second Amendment doesn't have the same wording as any of the others. The others don't try to explain or justify themselves. It's a reasonable assumption that the first clause, like every other phrase in the Constitution outside the Preamble, means something.

      --
      "When you have eliminated the unacceptable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truthiness" - Holmes
  5. Re:Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM relig by Coren22 · · Score: 3, Insightful

    The first amendment guarentees everyone the freedom to practice their religion. It does not guarantee that you will not witness other's practicing of their religion.

    http://www.washingtontimes.com...

    I guess the example I was thinking about doesn't involve the ACLU...however, I have seen previous examples where the ACLU sought to prevent other's from exercising their religion because they didn't like it, not because somehow the state was involved.

    --
    APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
  6. Re: Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM reli by jmac_the_man · · Score: 2

    Freedom OF religion includes freedom FROM religion... [I]f you dissolve the separation of Church and State, don't count on it being your sect in charge.

    None of the three things you quoted ("Freedom OF religion," "Freedom FROM religion," or "separation of Church and State") are actually law or in the Constitution or anything like that.

    The First Amendment ACTUALLY says "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of a religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

    You don't get to demand that the government use its force to suppress religious practices that you don't like any more than you get to demand that they suppress speech or printed opinions that you don't like. "Freedom from religion," "Freedom of worship," and similar slogans are intended to trick people into thinking that exercising religious liberty is something you can only do in your house of worship. It's not. The government is expressly prohibited from interfering with The People living a life guided by the tenets of their religion. Even in scenarios where the government disagrees.

  7. Difference by jklovanc · · Score: 0

    How is unlocking a phone any different than cracking a safe full of documents?

    1. Re:Difference by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's more like forcing someone to decrypt a box full of encrypted pages.

    2. Re:Difference by jklovanc · · Score: 1

      The difference is that the "someone" is the maker of the encryption algorithm and not the owner of the papers. The latter would be against the 5th Amendment but the former is not.

    3. Re:Difference by mark-t · · Score: 1

      To put it plainly, you can always potentially force a safe open without using the actual key or combination to the safe by physically compromising its structure. Subjecting the safe to physical forces or energies beyond its tolerance limit and the safe will invariably open. If you do that to a phone, however, you won't have anything left to retrieve. So in a sense, the only way to access a locked phone is with a key that the phone recognizes as being correct. This means that the process of unlocking a phone effectively creates a kind of key that, if it were to get misappropriated before it could be destroyed (assuming destroying it later was even the intent), could potentially be used by other parties to unlock additional phones. Ideally, the key would simply fail to work on any other phone and be treated as a random failed hacking attempt even if it were to be so misappropriated, but unfortunately nobody can make a solid guarantee that it would not be possible for anyone to modify such a key to unlock other devices.

  8. Re: Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM reli by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Basically the ACLU has fought situations where people of one faith or no faith at all are put into awkward situations by other's practicing their religion. Having a Christian prayer at a high school sporting event, graduation, etc... puts kids into a situation where they either have to act like they are part of that religion or look like they are some weird oddity by refusing to participate. Just because you are free to practice your religion doesn't mean you get to espouse it in everyone else's face. And if you think you do, then you should have to let any and all religions or atheists to espouse whatever they believe in right back.

  9. By the way... by Frosty+Piss · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Simply because the FBI says they "cracked an iPhone 5c does not mean they actually did. More likely is they did not but knew that they would lose the case and didn't want to set a precedence. They knew very well that in all likelihood, the iPhone contained nothing. The terrorists used burner phone which they destroyed, why would they use a work issued phone at all for anything but work?

    --
    If you want news from today, you have to come back tomorrow.
    1. Re:By the way... by thegarbz · · Score: 1

      Simply because the FBI says they "cracked an iPhone 5c does not mean they actually did. More likely is they did not but knew that they would lose the case and didn't want to set a precedence.

      Or more likely the iPhone 5c lacking the security features of other phones was actually cracked by any of the many methods suggested in these articles including the known power cycling bug that prevents the phone wipe after 10 attempts.

      We're not talking about the latest and greatest here.

    2. Re:By the way... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Or more likely the iPhone 5c lacking the security features of other phones
       
      Pretty much every analysis of the phone I've seen claims that the phone is at least on par if not better than the norm out there today. Take your hyperbole and get to stepping. We don't believe your lies anymore.

    3. Re:By the way... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The phone in this case was the personal phone of one of them. I don't recall seeing any mention of them using burner phones in this case, but I think the duo that carried out the attack, were not very "professional" and either didn't have the expertise to use such things or simply were too small an operation to bother.

  10. Walled Garden by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Nope, Apple's motivation is 100% marketing. Apple has already caved to China, otherwise they would not have been allowed to become the dominant smartphone. Remember, the crypto exists ONLY to protect the walled garden. Everything else is marketing bullshit.

    1. Re:Walled Garden by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      pssst in no way shape or form are Apple the dominant smartphone in China

    2. Re: Walled Garden by jxander · · Score: 1

      While your assumption isn't without merit, it's still an assumption.

      --
      This signature is false.
    3. Re: Walled Garden by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I hear that Abble has the market there.

  11. Argue with the logic by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The American media companies get a lot of money from Apple. How about you argue with the logic instead of the source. There's not a chance in hell that the iPhone has become the dominant smart phone without the government's blessing, and that blessing will not happen without the government being able to read what's on the phone.

    1. Re:Argue with the logic by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How about you argue with the logic instead of the source.

      Because the source being suspect means the facts are in question, and if the facts are not established then the logic is irrelevant.

  12. No, Apple could lock to a single device by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Yes, if a warrant has been issued given probable cause, then assuming the third party is fairly compensated for their efforts, then assistance in accessing the one device is acceptable. The problem is in the San Bernadino case, that's not what was asked for. They asked for a tool which could then be effectively used for all devices, ...

    That is a bogus claim. If Apple did the work they could limit fbiOS to a single device. The FBI asked Apple to do the work, the key for digital signatures never leaving Apple's vault/signing server. Access to all devices would only occur if the FBI did the work and had a copy of Apple's signing key. That is not what the FBI asked for, although that request may have been coming **only** because of Apple's refusal to do the work. Apple's talk of a universal back door was largely a fiction to create the desired public perception, or as lawyers call it: framing the argument. If this fiction would one day became reality it was only because of their refusal.

    1. Re:No, Apple could lock to a single device by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That is a bogus claim. If Apple did the work they could limit fbiOS to a single device.

      Nope. Once the tool is created it exists and can be used again, this is the nature of software. And the FBI and multiple police agencies around the country admitted that immediately after this phone was unlocked they would be seeking hundreds, if not thousands, of court orders to use this same tool to unlock phones they were holding in their custody lockers.

    2. Re:No, Apple could lock to a single device by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Same poster with an additional thought - really scary one.

      Combine this with stingray and they can trick any phone to download and install this OTA and get access all the phones in any given geographical area.

  13. Its an advertising / pr stunt by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So Apple complied with the requests in drug cases but started a big fight over a terrorist? Did they change their policy or is there a technical difference between the cases?

    Yes, when cooperating on those drug cases Apple did not have an iPhone in the works that was immune to attacks by new firmware or operating system software. Now they probably have such a phone in the works. So not cooperating and forcing a very public fight with the government got them a ton of free press that will greatly contribute to interest in this upcoming phone when it is announced. Surely it will be mentioned that Apple could not break into it if they were ordered to do so by the courts and tried their.

  14. New OS-building effort?! by mi · · Score: 1

    Build an OS that allows access

    Phlease... Claiming, they had to "build on OS" implies an amount of work comparable with, you know, creating an OS, when in fact all they had to do was slightly modify their existing OS to disable (comment-out) the data-destruction functionality, which would've kicked-in upon too many invalid PIN-entries.

    This would've been less work, than hackers were/are doing to disable various license-checking parts of binary files.

    And certainly far less work than, for example, Ubuntu did, when they diverged from Debian — and, arguably, Ubuntu is not even an OS in its own right (still a Linux).

    --
    In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
    1. Re:New OS-building effort?! by Qzukk · · Score: 1

      Setting aside the fact that you are completely ignoring step 2 (I assume since it is not as easy as you wished it was), what exactly does the amount of effort required have to do with it? Whether the level of effort required to create it is high or low, the government is demanding that Apple produce a thing it does not have.

      --
      If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.
    2. Re:New OS-building effort?! by david_thornley · · Score: 1

      IIRC, the demand was an OS that would eliminate the lockout delay, eliminate the wipe-after-ten-tries, and which would allow the PIN to be entered electronically. That last was probably the biggest task, although without access to the source code neither you nor I know for sure.

      --
      "When you have eliminated the unacceptable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truthiness" - Holmes
  15. If we learned anything from Snowden by AutodidactLabrat · · Score: 1

    it is that "Legal warrant described search" is NOT the normal use for spying on citizens as undertaken by the NSA
    What we all need to remember is, the NSA wants an open look at all records of every call, every link, every note, such that the 4th Amendment will simply disappear for law enforcement
    3/4 of all prosecutions using FISA warrant search are used for DOMESTIC DRUG ENFORCEMENT, a situation which begs us to remember that every Congressman has a file to be used anytime debates about how much money to give to the War Machine come up.
    IF you want a republic, the spies can NOT have this access.
    It must stop now.

  16. Re:Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM relig by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Name one. Just one.

  17. Re:What does the amount of effort have to do with by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    what exactly does the amount of effort required have to do with it?

    Simple: The All Writs Act they're using says that it cannot be an undue burden on the party.

    Writing a whole new OS might be an undue burden. #fdef'ing a chunk of code and hitting recompile might not be.

    The More You Know

  18. Re:What does the amount of effort have to do with by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The All Writs Act they're using says that it cannot be an undue burden on the party

    I consider the order to provide the government with something that the party does not possess to be an undue burden, for any level of effort required to acquire that thing.

  19. Re: Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM reli by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Basically the ACLU has fought situations where people of one faith or no faith at all are put into awkward situations by other's practicing their religion. Having a Christian prayer at a high school sporting event, graduation, etc... puts kids into a situation where they either have to act like they are part of that religion or look like they are some weird oddity by refusing to participate. Just because you are free to practice your religion doesn't mean you get to espouse it in everyone else's face. And if you think you do, then you should have to let any and all religions or atheists to espouse whatever they believe in right back.

    Actually, you DO get to espouse your religion if you'd like.

    The ACLU demanding freedom FROM religion is just bog-standard leftwing crybully crap.

  20. Re:Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM relig by dywolf · · Score: 1

    there is a difference between witnessing others practicing their religion, and being forced to partake yourself.
    hence the implied freedom -from- religion as part of the deal.

    though that concept is not applicable in your link.
    the guy in the article is a crank...but that doesn't mean hes necessarily wrong.
    from that article it seems the concepts at issue is two fold:
    -the participation of public officials in their official capacity participating in a religious activity, rather than as private citizens, while such participation is barred by law
    -public eyesore
    (will dismiss the safety hazard claim; unless its firing lasers or super bright spotlights at interstate traffic, the claim is likely a non-starter)

    Not knowing the local laws regarding large display objects and eyesores, can't comment beyond noting that some localities zoning rules (or local HOAs) have rules regarding public displays, and it's possible the cross here breaks one. don't know, would have to look it up.

    But the public officials side of it is a reasonable argument as the lawsuit is against their public office or official persona (eg, Mayor soandso), and not their private person. Ergo, they as private citizens are not being sued for practicing their religion. Rather they, as public officials, are being sued for using their official capacity to endorse a particular religion which is contrary to law.

    I do think they could potentially defend themselves against such a lawsuit by claiming they would perform such actions for -any- religion that so requested it, ie that they would not discriminate, and did so viewing the cross as a economic/tourist attraction to the town (though that last part is probably a stretch). Followed with an apology that they intended no special favoritism. And in the future, they participate solely as private citizens to avoid any controversy.

    --
    The guy who said the election was rigged won the presidency with the second-most votes.
  21. Re:Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM relig by dywolf · · Score: 1

    Consider this scenario, from my time in the service:

    Often at large ceremonies, like changing command, or pass in reviews, or etc, a chaplain will offer a brief prayer at the start.

    As one of the bodies in the formation (ugh...the worst duty ever, I swear! standing there in dress or service uniform, sweating/freezing, trying to pay attention and not fall asleep, or ignore the bug biting....sorry...went on tangent) ... ...at some point the command is given "Let us pray". Now this is not intended as a religious command, rather its part of the drill manual directing the formation to respectfully bow heads*; sign of respect, not an expectation of participation.

    And then the chaplain, who could be some form of Christian, Muslim, or Jewish (I've experienced all three), then gives his non-denominational prayer, usually for guidance or protection.

    Now. Is that forced participation in a religious activity?

    --
    *in fact "let us pray" is not really a command; it doesn't come from the formation leader out in front, and isn't itself part of the drill manual, but from the chaplain. its not part of the usual command then action routine. its simply stated in the drill manual that when a chaplain begins to speak the formation will bow their heads out of respect, and the raise them when he's done. the phrases "let us pray" and "amen" simply being an unofficial means of signaling to the formation when he is starting and when he is finished. he could just as easily just start talking, and then hand the floor over to the next speaker, and the formation would still react appropriately.

    --
    The guy who said the election was rigged won the presidency with the second-most votes.
  22. Re:Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM relig by dywolf · · Score: 1

    may have tipped my hand that I'm personally on the fence, and see both sides of the argument.

    --
    The guy who said the election was rigged won the presidency with the second-most votes.
  23. Re:Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM relig by Coren22 · · Score: 1

    Honestly, I would ask a lawyer. It seems to be a touchy situation, but, possibly, they may get around it by opening it up to all religions so that no one religion is being favored over any other. This is the meaning behind the establishment part, not being free from observance, but selecting one over the other.

    --
    APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
  24. Re:Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM relig by david_thornley · · Score: 1

    In which case they can damn well get a Hindu or Buddhist or Shinto chaplain once in a while, unless they intend to form an establishment of monotheistic religions only. Or, for that matter, Pastafarians and Satanists.

    --
    "When you have eliminated the unacceptable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truthiness" - Holmes
  25. Re: Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM reli by david_thornley · · Score: 1

    The First Amendment non-establishment clause means the government cannot use its resources to promote any particular religion or group of religions. That's what the ACLU fights against. There's a lot of cases where some government or other decides to do something that specifically favors Christianity, which is unConstitutional.

    --
    "When you have eliminated the unacceptable, whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truthiness" - Holmes
  26. Re:Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM relig by Coren22 · · Score: 1

    That is possible, however, it doesn't look like there are many in the military of those religions.

    http://secular.org/files/mldc-...

    But, that could also be a sampling error; maybe those weren't options in the survey.

    --
    APK likes to ask for responses to the same things over and over. Maybe he just likes the responses?
  27. Re:Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM relig by dywolf · · Score: 1

    There are Hindu chaplains.
    I've not heard of Buddhist ones, but then that religion doesn't seem like one that would lend itself to having chaplains.
    The only one I know of being rejected is a Humanist (atheist) who is currently suing the navy over that rejection.

    Though I believe his rejection had to do with the lack of an endorsement. Remember that Chaplains are volunteers , and the military does not actively recruit them (and in a sense, cannot). They must apply for service as a chaplain. Then the military can evaluate their fitness to serve in the military. But the military cannot itself be the one to determine whether or not a person is really Catholic/Jewish/whatever, as that's a violation of the Separation of Church and State (military deciding what qualifies as a particular religion) clause. So therefore they must be endorsed by an outside religious order. Catholic priests are usually endorsed by their Archdiocese, etc. The first Muslim chaplains, lacking their own body to endorse them yet, were actually endorsed by various Christian orders.

    There's also the tenet that Chaplains are expected and trained to administer to -ALL- service members regardless of which religion they may be a member, at least so much as they can between different religions. But then much of ministering isn't just religious in nature, but simply advise or counsel on matters of ethics or morale. Example: an Imam would not be expected to hold a Catholic service and administer the Communion, but he would be expected provide advise and counsel to anyone who asks. And it's impractical, and impossible, to have a Chaplin from every religion attached to every unit. For a while we had an LDS chaplain.

    Chaplains occupy a gray zone in the military structure. They're afforded officer rank, but have no really command authority over anyone besides other Chaplains. They do get some training, such as basic survival training as well as first aid and medical training (allowing them to assist in triage and field hospitals), but naturally not combat training.

    In fact 9 Chaplains have received the Medal of Honor. Two especially worth reading about are Lt. Comdr. O'Callahan (took command of the USS Franklin after it was crippled and nearly sunk, successfully leading the ship out of danger and back to port) and Capt. Angelo J. Liteky (shot multiple times, yet stood up in the face of enemy fire directing medevac helos into and out of a landing zone, and personally carried (and saved the lives of) over 20 men through that gunfire to the helos), are especially worth reading about. The latter one went on to become a war protestor, renouncing his both his medal and priestly vows.

    Then on the other side of the spectrum, you have people like Gordon Klingenschmitt, who sued and protested while serving as a Chaplain, because he felt the military was restricting his freedom of religion by not allowing to proselytize to service members, or be more coercive in getting them pray, or the requirement that all prayers outside of chapel services be non-sectarian. He was eventually court-martialed and kicked out, whereupon he returned to Colorado where he became a rabidly anti-gay radio personality and preacher, and now recently managed to get elected to Congress where he makes the loonie Louie Gohmert of Texas look sane.

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    The guy who said the election was rigged won the presidency with the second-most votes.
  28. OEM incompetence by whh3 · · Score: 1

    Even if Google wanted to be part of the solution (and since they view the user's privacy as their product that's a big assumption) their inability to control OEMs makes me want to abandon them for Apple. That's saying something since I absolutely deplore the manufacturing standards that Apple upholds w.r.t. their contract factories like Foxconn, but I think that it's something that we are going to have to start thinking about in the future!

    Will

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    remove nospam. to email!
  29. Re: Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM reli by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I lived in San Diego for a few years while the cross on Mount Soledad was being contested.

    The issue was: there's a giant cross on the top of a mountain that is public property, clearly favoring Christianity.

    The solution was: sell the parcel of land on top of the mountain to make it private property.

    IMHO that's just as bad, because the ONLY reason the land was sold was to favor Christianity. There was no tangible benefit to the public in the sale.

  30. Re: Freedom OF Religion includes freedom FROM reli by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    > Actually, you DO get to espouse your religion if you'd like

    On your own time and your own dime, yes. What you can't do is use public infrastructure or authority to do it.

    You can use the public school loudspeaker to announce that the Bible Study Group will meet at 3:30 in the band practice room.
    You can't read a prayer over the loudspeaker every morning.

    > The ACLU demanding freedom FROM religion is just bog-standard leftwing crybully crap.

    No, they are fighting for the individual's right to decide what religion to practice and how and when. Any time someone else makes you participate in their religion (or threatens you with ostracism for abstaining), THAT is bullying.

    Exercise the Golden Rule: how would you feel if some other religion were doing what YOUR religion is doing?