Apple vs the government

The fight over unlocking the San Bernandino shooter's iPhone seems a little ridiculous at first. Just unlock it, right? What's the big deal?

In an age where the debate over privacy and safety is at the forefront of people's mind, (think Snowden and the NSA) this is a huge deal. In their 1984 commercial, Apple presents themselves as the antidote to "Big Brother" IBM. They're progressive, revolutionary. They will bring down IBM and its ruthless control over the computer industry. Their computers will forever change what it means to be a computer.

Apple has always seen itself as a revolutionary company. They constantly challenge the way people view technology. This remains true today. In a way, the FBI and the U.S. government has inched closer and closer to being the new "Big Brother." This is certainly the image projected in the case of Apple vs. the government. Apple is the rebel, the defender of democracy. It will fight to uphold our right to privacy.

The ramifications of Apple creating new software to unlock this iPhone are far-reaching. There is much concern over what it would mean for future cases. If Apple were to follow the government's orders, it could open up a can of worms. What if this software got into the wrong hands? What would this mean for the masses?

Apple is not only concerned about the U.S. government using this technology in the future, but also about other countries, such as China, who is more than willing to encroach on its people's privacy. The company is making a statement about its commitment to its customers' privacy. The effects this new software may have on the world is just too risky to them. And I have to agree. We have to be so careful about how much we allow the government into our personal lives. There are just way too many uncertainties about what this new software could mean.

I'm all about security and justice. But when we have to sacrifice our rights as citizens to achieve these things, this is when we have to be wary. There has to be some way we can do both. If Apple can find a way to unlock the iPhone without opening a Pandora's box, great. If not, Apple is right to continue its fight to protect privacy.