The last couple of weeks have been tense for cybersecurity due to the rising conflict between Apple and the FBI. The problem began when the FBI found the cell phone belonging to Syed Farook, mass shooter in San Bernardino, California.

The FBI was given the permission to open the iPhone, but the password was unknown and after 10 failed attempts at unlocking the phone, all data will be erased. A court order was issued to Apple to unlock the phone, but Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, refused.

If Apple were to crack the encryption code on the iPhone, the FBI would be able to unlock any iPhone, compromising the privacy of millions of people. This would also lead to the problem of hackers gaining access to these codes.

Cook comments on his views, “There’s probably more information about you on your phone than there is in your house. Our smartphones are loaded with intimate conversations, our financial data, our health records. They’re also loaded with the location of our kids, in many cases. So it’s not just about privacy, it’s about public safety.”

The FBI argues back that because Farook has died, he does not have any rights to privacy.

On March 22, the case will be heard at court. However, the decision will be difficult because of the consequences that will come with any decision. The real question would be which solution could have the greater number of consequences?