John Oliver thinks he can change your mind on the huge Apple vs. FBI encryption battle

Apple is refusing to create a program that will allow the FBI to break into the work-issued iPhone of San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook, and many politicians are predictably on the FBI's side, John Oliver noted on Sunday's Last Week Tonight. "This is a rare case where Donald Trump's outrage is almost understandable, because Apple's refusal to help crack a terrorist's phone can seem hard to defend," especially if you look at it simplistically," he said. "But this is not simple — it's a hugely complicated story with massive implications, and once we get to the end of it, you may not feel the same way you do now." Challenge, issued.

The first problem is that, contrary to what the FBI and its allies claim, Apple wouldn't be creating a one-time key for Farook's phone. "Think of the government as your dad," Oliver said. "If he asks you to help him with his iPhone, be careful. Because if you do it once, you're going to be doing it 14 times a day." Whatever happens in this encryption fight "will have ramifications" and, if the FBI wins, "unintended consequences," he said, starting with this: "Many countries around the world, including Russia and China, are watching this debate, and will presumably expect similar access — because, as you know, Russia and China have as much respect for privacy as horny teenagers in '80s comedies."

The risks are so serious that Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), not known for embracing nuance, has even shifted his stance from pro-FBI after talking to people in the intelligence community. "Look, there is no easy side to be on in this debate," Oliver acknowledged. "Strong encryption has its costs, from protecting terrorists to drug dealers to child pornographers. But I happen to feel that the risks of weakening encryption, even a little bit, even just for the government, are potentially much worse." Although he is on Apple's side, Oliver said, he thinks the company should be a little more honest about its limitations — and to help, Last Week Tonight made a new Apple commercial. It is mostly safe for work, and worth watching to the end for. Peter Weber

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