Reference no: EM133478491
Case: Apple and the FBI have two separate incidences where the FBI has asked Apple to break into an iPhone in a terrorist investigation where that phone may contain information that could prevent another terrorist attack. I have attached a case study that details the incident in 2015 and I have included a link to a New York Times article that details the incident earlier this year. For purposes of this discussion, you are Tim Cook and you must decide how to respond to the FBI's latest request. Falling back on his business studies, Mr. Cook applies utilitarianism to analyze what his decision should be.
Who are the stakeholders in this and how might they be affect by Apple's decision?
The stakeholders in the situation that would be affected are obviously the customers, large companies that use and even sell apple products. On the other hand stakeholder could also be considered are law enforcement, victims and even criminals. On both ends the biggest item that is affected by this decision either way is privacy.
What decision benefits the greatest number of these stakeholders?
In this immediate situation the biggest number of people effected are the customers, owners and distributors of apple products.
Do you agree with the decision that utilitarianism leads you to? Why or why not?
In this case I don't degree because this is a matter of national security. And in hindsight apple essentially did it anyway by referring them to a company that had the means to backdoor the software, so honestly there was no difference. That's like saying I wont kill you but im going to pay someone to do it. Now on the other side I do agree because a private person I don't want someone to be able to access my personal device whenever they see fit even though I have nothing to hide.
Does apply the test in Rights and Duties or Fairness and Justice lead you to a different answer?
As a military Iean more toward yes, however I believe that black and white are there for a reason but we are allowed to operate in the grey area as long as it is morally and ethically right.