Apple Encryption Engineers, If Ordered to Unlock iPhone, Might Resist

Re:Apple Encryption Engineers, If Ordered to Unlock iPhone, ... by ridgeguy on Thursday March 17, 2016 @09:47PM (#11309259)

I'm not sure Apple could be fined if its relevant employees took individual decisions that resulted in Apple's inability to comply with the court's order.

Apple doesn't have the ability to compel an individual's conduct. The court's order applies to Apple, not to named individuals. Given that, I don't see a legal basis for fines, executive criminal charges, etc.

I think there's a lot of power in the hands of a few employees (and potential replacements) here. It'll be interesting to see what they decide to do.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Apple Encryption Engineers, If Ordered to Unlock iPhone, ... by smitherfield on Thursday March 17, 2016 @09:53PM (#11309279)

They could certainly be fined, charged with obstruction of justice/contempt of court etc, if Apple gave monetary or other incentives to its employees to make said decisions, as the commenter I was responding to was suggesting.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Apple Encryption Engineers, If Ordered to Unlock iPhone, ... by kabdib on Thursday March 17, 2016 @10:22PM (#11309426)

What about good references? What about "Okay, we understand, but we'll gladly have you back (with a signing bonus) when this blows over?"

A court order doesn't extend to Apple being required to be a dick to its ex-employees.

(And yeah, if any of you folks want a job, there are a zillion people on HN happy to talk, I'm sure)

[ Parent | on HN ]