Would Apple screw around with the U.S. Government for publicity? The Justice Department seems to think so.
The agency called Apple’s refusal to unlock the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino killers a “marketing strategy,” according to The New York Times.
Apple’s desicion “appears to be based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy,” according to the D.O.J. The Justice Department also reportedly demanded that a judge immediately order Apple to provide the tools required to unlock the phone.
They are trying to get into the phone used by Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the attackers in the San Bernardino rampage, which left 14 dead. A federal court already ordered Apple to help the government, but CEO Tim Cook said the request would force the company to create a key that could be used to open anyone’s iPhone.
The situation has divided politicians, tech heavyweights and media pundits.