I also watched most of the hearing[1], and Comey was very practiced at sticking to his story. However, one bit in particular stood out as something I haven't heard before: he seemed to criticize Apple for trying to protect people. He went off on a brief tangent at one point where he said things like[2]:
"It's not Apple's job to protect the American people."
"They sell phones, they don't sell public safety. That's our business to worry about."
He spent a minute or two saying things like that. This almost sounds like Comey sees this as some sort of turf war, with Apple infringing on his responsibilities. I'm not sure how to interpret that - isn't it the job of any manufacturer to make sure their product is safe? Wouldn't any kind of courier have a duty to protect what that which they carry?
[1] side note: I'm actually very impressed by most of Representatives understanding of the issue and the fairness of their questions.
[2] These may not be exact quotes! This is what I remember, I'll see if I can find the spot in the video later.
"It's not Apple's job to protect the American people."
"They sell phones, they don't sell public safety. That's our business to worry about."
He spent a minute or two saying things like that. This almost sounds like Comey sees this as some sort of turf war, with Apple infringing on his responsibilities. I'm not sure how to interpret that - isn't it the job of any manufacturer to make sure their product is safe? Wouldn't any kind of courier have a duty to protect what that which they carry?
[1] side note: I'm actually very impressed by most of Representatives understanding of the issue and the fairness of their questions.
[2] These may not be exact quotes! This is what I remember, I'll see if I can find the spot in the video later.