More encryption news, this time about how Apple holds the keys to iCloud backups. I think this approach strikes the right balance: privacy exists, particularly if you work for it, while acknowledging legitimate societal concerns.
Lime Leaves 12 Cities; Scarcity Amongst Abundance; An Update on Apple, Trump, and Encryption
Scooter companies appear to be struggling, which is not a surprise; still, it is an excuse to re-visit assumptions around ride-sharing in comparison, and an generalizable principle about Aggregation Theory. Plus, an update on Apple versus the FBI.
Visa/Plaid Follow-Up; Apple v FBI, Round 2; 2020 Differences
More on Visa/Plaid, including why payments in the U.S. and China are so different. Then, Apple is facing off against the FBI again, but its position is both stronger technologically and weaker politically.
Tim Cook on Security, Microsoft’s Boot Loader Mistake, NSA Exploits Stolen
Tim Cook had a very good explanation for why Apple stood up to the FBI, and two different episodes this week showed why he was right.
Update on the Fight over iPhone Security, Encryption Under Attack, WhatsApp Adds Encryption
There have been significant developments when it comes to the debate over security, in which reasonable people can disagree; unsurprisingly it is on the verge of shifting to a debate about encryption. This is a fight that has only one right answer.
The FBI Unlocks the San Bernardino iPhone, Sony to Make a New PS4?
The FBI has successfully unlocked the San Bernardino iPhone. Now the question is if they will say how. Still, I think this debate will now go away for quite a while. Then, Sony is making a new PS4 which makes sense given the changing market, even though it’s risky.
Tumblr Tumbles, Snapchat Hires Facebook Exec, An Update on Apple versus the FBI
Tumblr’s failure is so profound that the reasons why deserve a deeper exploration. And, might said lessons apply to Snapchat? Plus important developments in Apple versus the FBI.
Apple-FBI Follow-up; Xiaomi, Samsung, LG and High-End Android, Spotify Moves to Google’s Cloud
First some follow-up on Apple versus the FBI, then a discussion about how high-end Android is a distinct market, and how that impacts new phones from Xiaomi, Samsung, and LG. Finally, why Spotify’s move to Google makes sense.
Apple, the FBI, and Security
Apple versus FBI is being framed as a debate between privacy and security. In fact, though, there is a powerful argument to be made that Apple’s position is the more secure one for the United States.
Why New iPhones Are Also Vulnerable, This Case is Not About Encryption, Battles Versus Wars
Apple clarified off-the-record that new phones would also be covered by the precedent of the FBI’s request, which explains why they are drawing a line in the sand. Said line, though, is not about encryption. That is important because encryption could be the ultimate victim.