Debate:

A person’s right to privacy v. a government’s right to protect its people.

Personal freedom v. Government’s duty

Big Business v. Big G

overnment

Overview:

These are all hot topic buttons being discussed about the recent government’s plight to access personal information saved on the iPhone of the San Bernardino, CA terrorists.

This topic is finding its way to courthouses to be argued whether a person’s right to privacy outweighs national security.

LCHS students and staff have mixed opinions.

Background:

On December 2, 2015 in San Bernardino, CA, there was a shooting and an attempted bombing at an Inland Regional Center. There were 14 people who lost there lives that day, while 22 others were injured. The perpetrators were the married couple, Syed Rizwan and Tashfeen Malik. This was believed to be a terrorist act.

The FBI has obtained an iPhone belonging to one of the criminals; however, the FBI cannot hack the phone due to passwords and encryption. The FBI is asking Apple, the creator of said phone, to develop a software that would enable them to get into the phone. Apple has declined, saying that this software does not exist and that creating this new software would risk the security and privacy of all other Apple users. They believe it could be misused by the FBI.

The FBI has responded by saying the only want access into the one phone, and that it would only be beneficial and could possibly lead to the finding of other  accomplices.

LCHS Opinions:

“No, I don’t think they should have to help them.”

“Leave it to the courts. I believe there should be a balance. Everyone is entitled to privacy, however in this case it was a terrorist. Once again, I believe there should be a balance, so leave it up to the courts to decide.” Wagoner also stated, “Don’t do heroine.”

“It is an invasion of privacy.”