Apple part of REACT cops command structure (the cops who ? illegally, seized journalist's computers)

[panzerfaust]

http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/mobiles/lost-iphone-flap-deepens-as-police-actions-questioned-20100428-tr2g.html

"... The controversy surrounding the raid {on Gizmodo editor's house} has deepened after it emerged that Apple sits on the steering committee of the Rapid Enforcement Allied Computer Team (REACT) taskforce, which was responsible for the raid on Chen's house.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney's office told Yahoo! News in a statement that Apple provided the taskforce with "advice, recommendations, strategic input and direction", but the extent of the company's involvement in the Gizmodo raid is not yet clear...

Matt Zimmerman, spokesman for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said the raid on Chen's house was unlawful because reporters such as Chen were protected from police searches aimed at uncovering confidential sources and seizing other information developed during newsgathering activities.'"

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You just can't make this stuff up.

I would hope that Zimmerman's view prevails in the courts: Certainly do not like the idea that private companies can use the State Police as their own private rent-a-cops. That was all too common in this country in up until the 1960s.

I was on the verge of buying an iPhone, but I now see Apple as a company with totalitarian values and am going with (the more costly out-of-pocket) Palm Pre Plus (in spite of its stupid name).

[SpiralHawk]

1. I'm going Android

Ptoooey on the toe-tapple-tarian ways of this outfit.

I had wanted an iPhone, but it and the monthly At & T charges are way over the top in cost...fugetaboutit.

[meegbear]

2. ...

I can't believe that Bill Gates guy, using his influence and power to get back at someone like that. Just because you're the head of a multi-million dollar empire doesn't mean you can you inflict your wrath upon anyone. What that guy did doesn't deserve such heavy handed Nazi-esque tactics! It's people Gates this who ...

Huh? ... It's Steve Jobs? Oh.

Uhhhh ... Steve Jobs has every right to protect his intellectual property and should any means necessary to do so. What that guy did was illegal and should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law!