This seems like an instance in which a small number of people could strongly affect an outcome - in which civil disobedience could matter.
For Apple to comply with the court's order would require some of its employees to act. If whoever at Apple is told to comply with the court's order declines to do so, then what? If every Apple employee asked to supply information to the FBI refuses, then what? If every coder Apple tries to hire to comply with the court order declines to come aboard...how will the FBI get what it wants?
Of course, those critical people would have to be willing to lose their jobs or not accept employment.
Long ago, Rosa Parks declined to give up her seat on the bus in favor of a white passenger. She was arrested for it, and we have a better country for her pains.
This is an opportunity for Parks v.2016 - if you're asked by Apple to do anything to comply with the court order, don't do it.
For Apple to comply with the court's order would require some of its employees to act. If whoever at Apple is told to comply with the court's order declines to do so, then what? If every Apple employee asked to supply information to the FBI refuses, then what? If every coder Apple tries to hire to comply with the court order declines to come aboard...how will the FBI get what it wants?
Of course, those critical people would have to be willing to lose their jobs or not accept employment.
Long ago, Rosa Parks declined to give up her seat on the bus in favor of a white passenger. She was arrested for it, and we have a better country for her pains.
This is an opportunity for Parks v.2016 - if you're asked by Apple to do anything to comply with the court order, don't do it.