Apple is currently engaged with the US government on the topic of encryption, and whether or not they should be compelled to unlock an iPhone, or at least provide backdoor access to the device, belonging to a terrorist. Apple claims that this will set a dangerous precedent, but the FBI begs to differ.Now it seems that in a bid to try and get back at Apple for refusing to comply, a Florida congressman has proposed a new bill that would forbid federal agencies from purchasing Apple products, at least until Apple has given in to the government’s demands. Prior to this, the Arizona county proposed something similar where they will stop issuing iPhones to county employees.
According to a statement released by Rep. David Jolly, “Taxpayers should not be subsidizing a company that refuses to cooperate in a terror investigation that left 14 Americans dead on American soil.” He also adds, “Following the horrific events of September 11, 2001, every citizen and every company was willing to do whatever it took to side with law enforcement and defeat terror. It’s time Apple shows that same conviction to further protect our nation today.”
However Apple isn’t alone in their fight. Many have since come forward to offer support, including the husband of one of the victims of the shooting. Recently, a judge in New York had also ruled in Apple’s favor in a different (but similar in their intent) case.
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