[dba7dba]

I agree. Don't mean to be cynical but every public speech given by Tim Cook (and everyone else of high profile) is about setting the stage for something. Aka posturing. They have too much money, control, brand, power at stake.

And this isn't much different from Google blasting Apple for selling products assembled in sweatshops (not that google does that)...

[microtonal]

I agree. Don't mean to be cynical but every public speech given by Tim Cook (and everyone else of high profile) is about setting the stage for something.

Apple is in the fortunate position that most of their profits come from hardware. With Snowden's publications, the security/privacy advantage is practically thrown in their lap. So, why not run with it? We customers only benefit (not only Apple customers, because this will put pressure on others).

As a side node, given Cook's sexual orientation, I am sure that this is an important issue for him personally as well. There are many countries where you can't be gay openly (yet), and digital privacy is a tiny part of the puzzle of protecting people in countries with less liberal laws.

[Tloewald]

Another way of looking at it is that they've built their business model this way and they're making the case why it's better for their customers and the right thing to do. Volvo likes to advertise the safety engineering of its cars. Is that cynical?