Abstract

Apple Inc. (Apple), the world’s biggest tech company updated its privacy policy and security features during the launch of the iOS 8 in 2014. In order to protect its customer’s data privacy, Apple refused to provide information to FBI from a phone used by a terrorist involved in San Bernardino terrorist attack in December 2015. However, FBI accessed data from terrorist’s iPhone with the help of professional hackers. This news brought new challenges for Cook and his team to find and fix the flaw that had allowed hackers to crack the passcode and protect customers’ privacy. The case provides information for not only discussing the future of Apple’s privacy strategy but also the ethical issues behind Apple’s decision.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Debate on decision taken by Apple Management to not to cooperate with FBI in its counter terrorism initiatives
• Discuss on the strategy to be adopted by Apple to come out with better ways to protect customer privacy and build its brand

Keywords

FBI, Apple, iOS 8, iPhone, Privacy Policy, Encryption, Tim Cook, National Security, All Writs Act"