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  • March 2016 (Revised November 2017)
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Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (A)

By: Henry McGee, Nien-hê Hsieh and Sarah McAra
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:34 
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Abstract

In 2015, Apple CEO Tim Cook debuted the iPhone 6S with enhanced security measures that enflamed a debate on privacy and public safety around the world. The iPhone 6S, amid a heightened concern for privacy following the 2013 revelation of clandestine U.S. surveillance programs, employed a default encryption system that prevented both Apple and government authorities from accessing data stored on the device. Law enforcement officials warned that the encryption hindered investigations for criminal cases and international terrorism and called on Apple to build a backdoor, a way to bypass the encryption. But Cook maintained that any backdoor would compromise customers' privacy and security. In 2016, a federal judge ordered Apple to provide technical assistance to unlock the iPhone used by one of the two terrorists who killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California. Apple refused to comply with the order and asked the government to withdraw its demand. As the court case unfolded, Cook considered his responsibilities to the U.S. government as well as to Apple's customers, employees, and shareholders.

Keywords

Iphone; Encryption; Data Privacy; Safety; Corporate Social Responsibility And Impact; Mobile Technology; Civil Society Or Community; National Security; Leadership; Technology Industry; Consumer Products Industry; United States

Citation

McGee, Henry, Nien-hê Hsieh, and Sarah McAra. "Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (A)." Harvard Business School Case 316-069, March 2016. (Revised November 2017.)
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About The Authors

Henry W. McGee

General Management
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Nien-he Hsieh

General Management
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Related Work

    • October 2016 (Revised March 2018)
    • Faculty Research

    Apple: Privacy vs. Safety? (A) and (B)

    By: Nien-hê Hsieh, Henry McGee and Sarah McAra
    • March 2016 (Revised November 2017)
    • Faculty Research

    Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (A)

    By: Henry McGee, Nien-hê Hsieh and Sarah McAra
    • February 2020
    • Faculty Research

    Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (B)

    By: Henry McGee, Nien-hê Hsieh and Christian Godwin
Related Work
  • Apple: Privacy vs. Safety? (A) and (B) By: Nien-hê Hsieh, Henry McGee and Sarah McAra
  • Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (A) By: Henry McGee, Nien-hê Hsieh and Sarah McAra
  • Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (B) By: Henry McGee, Nien-hê Hsieh and Christian Godwin
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