Microsoft backs Apple and calls for modern privacy laws
MicrosoftMicrosoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith
Microsoft's Brad Smith says its brief supporting Apple protects customers' private information. He argues that Congress should address modern technology rather than rely on the All Writs Act.
“By standing with Apple, we’re standing up for customers who depend on us to keep their most private information safe and secure.”
Official statement
Where this statement fits
Was Apple right to refuse to create software to unlock the San Bernardino iPhone?
Apple opposed creating software to bypass safeguards on a seized San Bernardino iPhone. The government sought to compel its assistance under a court order. The proceeding ended when investigators obtained access without Apple and the order was vacated; the court did not resolve the disputed authority on the merits.
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
Microsoft's explanation of its brief supporting Apple.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Smith explains Microsoft's participation in a legal brief supporting Apple.
After the quotation
He calls for laws suited to mobile and cloud technologies and recognizes law enforcement's public role.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The case concerns Apple's refusal to create bypass software. Microsoft supports Apple's position and argues that Congress should pass modern laws addressing technology and privacy.
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More from this case
Read the full caseDOJ criticizes Apple's resistance to the San Bernardino unlocking order
United States Department of Justice
“Apple’s rhetoric is not only false, but also corrosive of the very institutions that are best able to safeguard our liberty and our rights”Read statement
CDT supports Apple's challenge to the unlocking order
Center for Democracy & Technology
“The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has filed an amicus brief in support of Apple in its challenge to the FBI order”Read statement
FBI director says the request seeks passcode access rather than a master key
Federal Bureau of Investigation
“We don’t want to break anyone’s encryption or set a master key loose on the land.”Read statement
Cite this record
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- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Microsoft backs Apple and calls for modern privacy laws
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- https://disputeindex.com/events/5545-microsoft-s-brad-smith-says-its-brief-supporting
Last updated marks the most recent saved version of this published statement.
The Dispute Index. "Microsoft backs Apple and calls for modern privacy laws". First published: 2026-10-11. Last updated: 2026-10-11. https://disputeindex.com/events/5545-microsoft-s-brad-smith-says-its-brief-supporting