[markem]

This topic has wandered far. The Apple notice was basically them patting themselves on the back for what they, and many others, have insisted for years; namely, a security backdoor is not guaranteed to only be used by the good guys. Being good capitalists, they do not want to dissuade consumers and so want to tout how well they are protecting the average citizen. Point in fact is that any reputable company is adopting the same policies. They are no better nor worse than Microsoft or Google or anyone else that hopes to succeed.

They are, however, US-based, which presents some challenges given the political environment. Samsung is not US-based and so can easily avoid US machinations, for example. For them, the US market is not dominant in their sales figures. For Apple it is.

If you are obsessed about the US government and its potential for overreach, then you applaud the Apple letter and believe that Apple is striking a blow for freedom and the American Way (TM).

If you are a realist, then you know that it is Apple marketing.

Weelok's last comment is weird in this context and he implies that he is a cryptography expert. I am not, but the whole wink-wink-nudge-nudge thing grates as it usually comes from wannabes. No comment on the whole RSA thing as I just snorted on that comment.