Apple refuses to unlock Saudi shooter’s iPhones, says ‘encryption is vital’

Apple Inc has refused to unlock two iPhones belonging to a Saudi Air Force cadet, who killed three sailors and wounded eight other members of the US armed forces in a shooting at a naval air station in Pensacola, Florida. The shooting had taken place on 6 December, 2019.

Apple said “we feel strongly encryption is vital to protecting our country and our users’ data”. The company said that the US law enforcement has access to more data than ever, and thus, Americans will not have to choose between weakening encryption and solving investigations.

In its defense, Apple also said the company has cooperated with the US authorities to share adequate information and has promptly responded to help in investigation against the shooter.