When it comes to its customers' privacy, Samsung sounds just like Apple

Samsung and Apple have a rather strange relationship. Apple depends on Samsung for certain key parts for the iPhone and iPad, including half of the A9 chipsets used to drive the Apple iPhone 6s and Apple iPhone 6s Plus. On the other hand, both are fierce rivals in the mobile device industry. There have been times, especially during their patent battles, when Apple and Samsung have been at each others' throats.

So it might be mildly surprising to read Samsung's statement about privacy, and how it sounds just like Apple's reasoning for not complying with the government's court order in the case. The latter demands that it develop a "unique" version of iOS that would allow it to unlock the Apple iPhone 5c used by deceased terrorist Syed Farook.

In a statement, Samsung agrees with Apple's stance that when possible, it will give information to law enforcement. But if that is impossible because of the lack of a back door, Samsung says that it will not create one since it could "undermine consumers’ trust." That is basically the same reason that Apple CEO Tim Cook has given to explain why Apple won't give in to the government's request. Cook worries that if the unique "Govt. OS" software needed to unlock the iPhone 5c falls into the wrong hands, every single iPhone user in the world would be in danger of having the private information stored on their handset stolen.


While several tech firms, including Google, Facebook and Microsoft have filed an amicus briefs on behalf of Apple, Samsung is still on the fence about following suit. "Protecting our customers’ privacy is extremely important, but we have not decided whether to file an amicus brief in the current case," Samsung said in an emailed statement.

source: Bloomberg