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  • February 2021
  • Case
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Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (A)

By: Henry McGee, Nien-hê Hsieh, Sarah McAra and Christian Godwin
  • 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 mass shooters who killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California. Apple refused to comply with the order and asked the government to withdraw its demand. This refusal highlighted Apple’s stated policy of supporting consumer privacy. Meanwhile, in China, Apple removed various VPN apps from Apple’s Chinese App Store. This action elicited strong negative responses from civil rights activists and members of the U.S. government. In 2019, Apple again faced criticism for removing the HKmap.live app from the App Store, which had been used by protestors in Hong Kong. As these situations unfolded, Cook considered his responsibilities to global governments as well as to Apple's customers, employees, and shareholders.

Keywords

Iphone; Encryption; Data Privacy; Customers; Customer Focus and Relationships; Decision Making; Ethics; Values and Beliefs; Globalized Firms and Management; Government and Politics; National Security; Law; Law Enforcement; Leadership; Markets; Safety; Social Issues; Corporate Social Responsibility and Impact; Civil Society or Community; Mobile and Wireless Technology; Technology Industry; Consumer Products Industry; Telecommunications Industry; Electronics Industry; United States; China; Hong Kong

Citation

McGee, Henry, Nien-hê Hsieh, Sarah McAra, and Christian Godwin. "Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (A)." Harvard Business School Case 321-004, February 2021.
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About The Authors

Henry W. McGee

Entrepreneurial Management
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Nien-he Hsieh

General Management
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Related Work

    • January 2023
    • Faculty Research

    Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (B)

    By: Henry McGee, Nien-hê Hsieh and Christian Godwin
    • August 2023
    • Faculty Research

    Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (C)

    By: Henry McGee, Nien-hê Hsieh and Kerry Herman
Related Work
  • Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (B) By: Henry McGee, Nien-hê Hsieh and Christian Godwin
  • Apple: Privacy vs. Safety (C) By: Henry McGee, Nien-hê Hsieh and Kerry Herman
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