Mark Zuckerberg supports Apple, but 51 percent of Americans don’t

At MWC today, Mark Zuckerberg formally spoke out in favor of Apple’s continued battle against the FBI. His company, Facebook, issued a statement in support of Apple last week.

As reported by Re/code, Zuckerberg said:

We’re sympathetic with Apple on this one. We believe in encryption. I expect it’s not the right thing to try to block that from the mainstream products people want to use. And I think it’s not going to be the right regulatory or economic policy to put in place.

Of course, Zuckerberg should be on the side of strong encryption. Facebook-owned WhatsApp features end-to-end encryption of messages.

What’s unclear is where he draws the line. He was quoted at MWC saying he would work with the FBI should the need arise.

If there’s any content that’s promoting terrorism or sympathizing with ISIS, we’ll get those people off the service.

What’s clear though, is that Zuckerberg’s mixed view on the situation is one that’s shared by most of the US.

According to data by Pew Research, 51 percent of American’s side with the FBI and agree that Apple should unlock the San Bernadino shooter’s iPhone, while just 38 percent side with Apple; 11 percent are unsure.

Interestingly, all demographics polled side in favor of the FBI other than independents that lean democratic, which are strongly in favor of Apple (55 percent to 34 percent).

Another point worthy of note is that the older the demographic got, the less they supported Apple, starting at a 43 to 47 percent split (in favor of the FBI) amongst 18 to 29-year-olds and ending with a 27 to 54 percent split amongst those 65 plus.

➤ Mark Zuckerberg Defends Apple: ‘We Believe in Encryption’ [Re/code]