Americans Divided Over Whether Apple Should Unlock Phone

(RTTNews) - As FBI Director James Comey and Apple's legal representatives are scheduled to testify at a House Judiciary Committee on March 1 on encryption, a survey has shown that 38 percent are against unlocking an iPhone. Meanwhile, 51 percent of the participants say Apple company should unlock phone to help FBI investigation. 11 percent have not expressed their opinion.

Recently, in connection with a shooting case, Federal court has ordered Apple to create a software to bypass security features on an iPhone. Apple sought to appeal the court order and tech communities are reportedly standing behind the technology giant in support.

Apple fears that the "backdoor" break-in software would be highly manipulated and it would lead to compromise in privacy of individuals. However, FBI is seeking access to devices so that their job will be easier in several cases.

Among the younger group of 18-29, 47 percent are for unlocking iPhone. While 43 percent of the youngsters who responded to the national survey conducted by Pew Research Center say it should be kept a secret. Among the adult group of 30-49 years of age, 41 percent are against unlocking and 51 percent are for unlocking. Among the respondents of 50-64 years old, 38 percent are against unlocking and 51 are in favor.

The survey among the iPhone owners show that 41 percent are for not unlocking the phone, while 50 percent agree to the idea of break-in.