Report: Google to file court motion officially supporting Apple in FBI fight

Chance Miller | Feb 25 2016 - 1:06 pm PT

Following Apple’s filling earlier today in which it formally responded to the FBI’s court request to access date on a locked iPhone, the Wall Street Journal now reports that both Google plans to file court motions in which they support Apple’s stance. Facebook is also expected to file a motion, as is Twitter.

Since this news broke last week, both Google and Facebook have publicly offered their support to Tim Cook and Apple. Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai shared his opinions in a series of tweets, explaining that Apple’s case with the FBI could set a troubling precedent. Then, Android head Hiroshi Lockheimer gave an interview in which he also expressed his support for Apple, albeit somewhat vaguely. Lockheimer noted of how this specific case opens up room for a lot more discussion on the matter of national security and user privacy.

Most recently, Mark Zuckerberg expressed his support for Apple while speaking at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. “I don’t think building back doors is the way to go, so we’re pretty sympathetic to Tim and Apple,” Zuckerberg said.

Earlier today, Apple officially responded to the court following an order from last week to unlock an iPhone 5c used by the San Bernardino gunmen last December. As expected, Apple is working vacate the order, explaining that unlocking an iPhone using a modified and insecure software version is not the way to go about the issue.

In addition to Facebook and Google formally planning to support Apple’s side in its fight with the FBI, the EFF, ACLU, and WhatsApp have all voiced their unequivocal agreement with Apple and come out in support of the company.

Apple’s battle with the FBI over national security versus user privacy began last week and has since become one of the biggest and most complex stories in tech and politics. You can view all of our extensive coverage over at 9to5Mac at the links below: