In New Poll, Americans Weigh In On Apple Versus FBI Controversy
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – So far in the Apple versus the FBI case, Google has backed Apple and Donald Trump has shown his support for the FBI by calling an Apple boycott.
But who do the American people favor?
A new poll, conducted by the Pew Research Center, shows 51 percent of Americans are siding with the FBI. They say that Apple should unlock the phone to assist the FBI with their investigation into accused San Bernardino shooter, Syed Rizwan Farook.
On the other hand, 39 percent say that the security of other users' information is important and that Apple should not unlock the phone.
The remaining 11 percent said they didn't know.
According to CBS, the poll surveyed 1,002 adults between February 18 and 21. The news surrounding the dispute has spread widely, with 75 percent of people surveyed saying they had heard either a lot (39 percent) or at least a little bit (36 percent) about the story.
With republican presidential hopefuls Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, and Ted Cruz chiming in with their opinions, it is only right that the survey look at how the dispute between Apple and the FBI fell along political lines.
Perhaps surprisingly in these partisan times, both Republicans and Democrats viewed the dispute similarly -- 56 percent of Republicans and 55 percent of Democrats said that Apple should unlock the suspected terrorist's phone.
Those who don't fall within the traditional parties were more conflicted, according to CBS. Pew found that 45 percent of people who considered themselves Independents said Apple should unlock the phone, while about 42 percent of Independents said it should not, with 13 percent undecided.
For months, Apple CEO Tim Cook has engaged in a sharp, public debate with government officials over his company's decision to shield the data of iPhone users with strong encryption, essentially locking up people's photos, text messages and other data so securely that even Apple can't get at it.
This begs the question, where do actual iPhone users stand?
According to the poll, iPhone users were divided on the issue. 47 percent of Apple users say Apple should unlock the phone compared to 43 percent who believe they should not.
Half of respondents who said they own a smartphone believe that Apple should unlock the iPhone -- but so do 52 percent of non-smartphone owners. The difference was in their level of opposition: 41 percent of smartphone owners said Apple should not cooperate, while just 33 percent of non-smartphone owners supported the company's position.
Should Apple unlock the iPhone? Where do you stand?