That's not how I read it. I understand it being a special one-off OS amendment, installed only on this one phone, to prevent it erasing itself after 10 incorrect passcodes, to allow them to do a blunt attack on the phone and keep trying passcodes until one works and the phone is unlocked

Except its not a million to one chance at all. Even death row doesn't have a million to one ratio for innocent vs guilty.

The problem is compounded by the fact it might take a year to get to trial, if you don't plead out (and get a criminal record). During which time you may lose your job. You'll also have to spend a fortune in legal fees, unless you want a public defender (who'll probably has little experience).

In fact if you plead not guilty, you'll probably spend more than a few nights in lockup - waiting for the bail hearing, because the States Attorney will likely refuse. And lock up in US cities can be more dangerous than prison.

The prosecution and police, once they've decided its you, will only present evidence towards your guilt. For many the option is plead guilty to something they wouldn't be proven guilty of, or face several nights in lock up, possible loss of employment and bankrupting legal costs.

The legal system in the US is massively unfair to the poor and ordinary man.

Its not practical really to do that. I believe that sufficient provision exists in law that the Law Enforcement have sufficient power to pursue criminals and to protect the publics interest. Its impossible not to produce a digital footprint, which is why terrorists and criminals tend to go to very extreme lengths to 'hide in plain sight' or disappear.

Plus do you know what happens to people who live like that, they get flagged up as terrorist suspects by algorithms, because they're also the kind of people who tend to obfuscate themselves within society, keep as low a profile online and digitally as possible.

The lack of information and presence of information are both systems by which you detect 'suspects'.

Plus, we 'champion freedom' and the idea of innocent until proven guilty, free speech and the right to avoid self incrimination. In fact the UK is one of the most monitored countries in the world. Cameras in the streets, security services monitoring emails, phone calls, spending patterns and so o

The irony is that in the face of terrorism that promotes an impossible to achieve tyranny, we have massively surrendered the ideas of our own freedom and trust in the face of a very occasional fear.

I would say the middle ground has long since been crossed in the US, thanks to the Patriot Act and mission creep, where by organisations like the NSA are routinely passing information on to other Federal Agencies that isn't of interest to the NSA - And said Federal Agencies creating 'pet Criminal Informants' to then legitimise the information.

Essentially you have a situation where the government is effectively spying on its citizens, passing information on to other agencies about them, and they want more access.

Governments should trust and respect the people they represent, target the guilty and promote the values that they extoll

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
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..arrhh blackmail.

If a document was in a safe they'd have to break in, rather than ask the company who made it to crack it.

Optimistic as ever

I think Apple will crumble eventually.