Feds call Apple's refusal to unlock iPhone a 'marketing strategy'

Government calls Apple refusal to help FBI a &quot;marketing strategy&quot;.

(Image credit: KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty Images))

published 19 February 2016

The Justice Department asked a federal judge Friday to enforce its previous order that Apple unlock the iPhone of San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook, calling the company's refusal a "marketing strategy." While Apple CEO Tim Cook has characterized the FBI's request as a "chilling" attack on privacy, the Justice Department says Apple's refusal seems "to be based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy," The New York Times reports.

The Justice Department maintains that Apple's assistance is necessary to uncovering clues surrounding the attack that killed 14 people. Apple is expected to file a formal response by next Friday.