Apple’s Tim Cook Warns Obama That Sacrificing Privacy Will Have “dire consequences”

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, has criticised US President Barrack Obama’s executive order for enhanced cybersecurity, saying the move will have “dire consequences”.

Cook was speaking at a cybersecurity summit organised by the White House, just moments before President Obama was set to take the stage.

“We still live in a world where all people are not treated equally. Too many people do not feel free to practice their religion or express their opinion or love who they choose,” Cook said.

“A world in which that information can make a difference between life and death,” Cook said. “If those of us in positions of responsibility fail to do everything in our power to protect the right of privacy, we risk something far more valuable than money. We risk our way of life.”

“Fortunately, technology gives us the tools to avoid these risks. It is my sincere hope that by using them and by working together, we will.”

He added that “history has shown us that sacrificing our right to privacy can have dire consequences.”

James Comey, Director of the FBI, criticised Apple’s use of encryption last year, saying, “Criminals and terrorists would like nothing more than for us to miss out.”

Source: The Guardian