Twitter and Facebook back Apple in jihadi row

FACEBOOK and Twitter last night became the latest technology giants to support Apple’s refusal to unlock a terrorist’s phone amid growing anger from police.

The social networks said it would set a ‘chilling precedent’ if the firm hacked into the iPhone of a dead Islamic extremist who murdered 14.

Their intervention came as police in New York revealed they have been unable to access 175 Apple devices in cases including sex abuse and manslaughter because of encryption.

Police commissioner Bill Bratton said the firm was taking a hard line to get a ‘competitive edge’ over rivals. ‘There was once corporate responsibility – now it’s corporate irresponsibility,’ he added.

The row began when Apple refused to comply with an order from a judge

‘It would create a chilling precedent’

in Los Angeles to help the FBI unlock the iPhone belonging to terrorist Syed Farook.

He and his wife Tashfeen Malik killed 14 at a Christmas party in December in San Bernardino, California, after becoming radicalised by Islamic State on the internet.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook issued a statement in which he refused to ‘hack our own users’.

So far Google and the Facebookowned messaging service WhatsApp have backed Apple, as did CIA traitor Edward Snowden.

Yesterday Facebook added its support too, saying: ‘When we receive lawful requests from these authorities we comply.

‘However, we will continue to fight aggressively against requirements for companies to weaken the security of their systems.

‘These demands would create a chilling precedent and obstruct companies’ efforts to secure their products.’

Shortly afterwards, Twitter’s boss Jack Dorsey tweeted: ‘We stand with @tim_cook and Apple (and thank him for his leadership).’