[LINK] Schneier's explanation of Apple v. FBI

[David Lochrin]

On 2016-03-16 08:28 Scott Howard wrote:

> However from the start, the "request" included that the custom firmware could be restricted to a single phone, which from all accounts is possible to do.  As the firmware needs to be signed by Apple, there is no way that the firmware could be use on another device - Apple has complete control over that level, and the FBI request and the court order both allow them to keep that control.

I think the major problem is the precedent which would be set by Apple's compliance, and the FBI seem to be interested in the precedent because they've apparently asked for a generalised back door, not just help in retrieving the data on the device in question.

In any case, how could Apple be of much help in accessing the data on that particular device if the owner has chosen a long pass-phrase?  Surely it's too late now.  Maybe a knowledgeable Linker could clarify the issues?

David L.