Gates backs U.S. bid to crack iPhone code
NEW YORK – Bill Gates is supportive of investigators’ efforts to force Apple to help them crack into an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters, saying a balance needs to be struck between government access and the need to preserve data security.
While clarifying he doesn’t support untrammeled government access to personal data, the Microsoft co-founder’s position runs contrary to those of many tech executives who have backed Apple Inc. The heads of Facebook, Twitter and Google have all sided with Apple on the grounds that complying with the government’s request would ultimately undermine data privacy.
Gates stated in a handful of interviews that it’s not uncommon for phone companies and banks to hand over customer information to investigators. He questioned why tech companies should be treated differently.
Syria, rebels agree to cease-fire proposal
DAMASCUS, Syria – Syria’s government accepted Tuesday a proposed U.S.-Russian cease-fire that is to go into effect later this week, reserving the right to respond to any violations of the truce, while the main opposition and rebel umbrella group approved the deal but set its own conditions for compliance.
The development followed an agreement between Washington and Moscow for a new cease-fire for Syria that would take effect on midnight Friday local time, even as major questions over enforcement of that truce remain unresolved.
Also, the truce will not cover the Islamic State group, Syria’s al-Qaida branch known as the Nusra Front, or any other militia designated as a terrorist organization by the U.N. Security Council.
Moderate earthquake shakes California
WASCO, Calif. –A moderate earthquake centered near Bakersfield was felt across a wide swath of central and southern California on Tuesday afternoon, but there have been no reports of damages, injuries or other problems.
The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-4.8 earthquake struck near Wasco about 25 miles northwest of Bakersfield shortly after 4 p.m. The USGS described the quake as light and said it came at a depth of 14 miles.
A dispatcher at the Kern County Sheriff’s Office says the quake gave the office “a pretty good jolt,” but there were no reports of damage or injuries.
Associated Press
