The American Library Association Supports Apple in Dispute with FBI

Direct Dial - Dial in secret without an operator!

On Wednesday 2/17, the ALA publicly showed their support in Apple CEO Tim Cook's refusal to develop new technology that would help the FBI unlock the iPhone used by Syed Rizwan Farook. Why does this matter to librarians? Because it's part of the American Library Association's Code of Ethics (yes, librarians have a proper, written out Code of Ethics :p ).

"We protect each library user's right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted."

Realizing that this case has nothing to do with a library user, the sentiment is the same - people have a right to privacy. Libraries have historically been advocates for privacy rights as a general rule, but as our Law Scholars know, there are always two sides (if not more) to every case. The violence and outright murder committed by Syed Rizwan Farook and  Tashfeen Malik is devastating, but putting millions of Americans freedom at risk would be also. In the spirit of Captain Obvious - both issues must be carefully, carefully considered. And from what I've read, it feels like a rats nest of issues and considerations. But don't take my word for it, check out some of the links below:



Bill Gates on Apple: Unlock Terror Suspect's iPhone - USNews 2/23/16
In Apple Dispute, FBI Director Urges A 'Deep Breath' Over Phone Security - NPR 2/22/16
More Support for Justice Department Than for Apple in Dispute Over Unlocking iPhone - PewResearch 2/22/16 
A Technical Perspective on the Apple iPhone Case - ElectronicFrontierFoundation 2/19/16 
Why Didn’t San Bernardino County Officials Have Access to the Terrorist iPhone? - KTLA 2/18/16