The United States presidential elections and surrounding shenanigans are usually some of the least interesting times you could wish to endure, at least until the business end of the process rolls around.
This time, though, we have Donald Trump to keep us both entertained and terrified. You know, in case he managed to actually win the thing. The man with the hair has managed to get himself into the news for yet another odd reason today after he called for a boycott of Apple products.
The reason for Trump’s sudden dislike of Apple and all comes as a result of the company’s refusal to implement a backdoor into iOS that would allow the FBI to gain access to an iPhone 5c that was used by the San Bernardino shooters last year. Apple isn’t playing ball with authorities over the matter and has point blank refused to comply as Apple thinks that would set “a dangerous precedent.” In an open letter to Apple customers, CEO Tim Cook wrote:
.. the U.S. government has asked us for something we simply do not have, and something we consider too dangerous to create. They have asked us to build a backdoor to the iPhone.
Specifically, the FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating system, circumventing several important security features, and install it on an iPhone recovered during the investigation. In the wrong hands, this software — which does not exist today — would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone’s physical possession.
We are challenging the FBI’s demands with the deepest respect for American democracy and a love of our country. We believe it would be in the best interest of everyone to step back and consider the implications.
That apparently irks Donald Trump, so much so that he wants everyone to dump their Apple kit pronto.
Speaking at the campaign rally and then later via Twitter, Trump said that he wants people to boycott Apple and its products until it complies with the FBI’s request to allow it access to the aforementioned iPhone.
I use both iPhone & Samsung. If Apple doesn’t give info to authorities on the terrorists I’ll only be using Samsung until they give info.
Hopefully others will follow suit. Our country needs & should demand security. It is time to get tough & be smart!
Boycott all Apple products until such time as Apple gives cellphone info to authorities regarding radical Islamic terrorist couple from Cal
The video below shows him lambaste Apple CEO Tim Cook and call for a boycott of the Cupertino company’s products.
Since then, in a conference call with reporters, one senior Apple executive, when asked about Trump’s comments, had this to say:
Trump’s call for Apple boycott puts the company in standing with other good people he has criticized.
(Via: LesGrossman2015 [YouTube], CNBC Now [Twitter], @realDonaldTrump [Twitter])
You may also like to check out:
- Protestors Gather Outside Apple Store To Support The Fight Against iPhone Backdoors
- Google CEO Sides With Apple And Tim Cook, Opposes FBI’s Demand For iPhone Backdoor
- Donald Trump Says He Will Force Apple To Build Its “Damn Computers And Things” In The U.S.
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