Rallies against FBI demand for iPhone backdoor planned at Apple stores in more than 30 cities this Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2016

Contact: Evan Greer, 978-852-6457, press@fightforthefuture.org

Rallies against FBI demand for iPhone backdoor planned at Apple stores in more than 30 cities this Tuesday

In Washington, DC protesters will gather at FBI Headquarters

Concerned iPhone users and digital security supporters will gather at Apple stores in more than 30 cities this coming Tuesday, February 23rd, exactly one week after a court order that attempts to force Apple to write software that would undermine the safety and security of millions of people.

See a map listing the rallies in more than 30 cities here: DontBreakOurPhones.org

Protesters will oppose the FBI’s demand carrying giant 10 foot long iPhone banners (see example), and iPhone shaped signs reading “FBI: Don’t Break Our Phones” and “Secure Phones Save Lives.” Participants will also be able to turn their phones, laptops, or tablets into a glowing protest sign using ProtestSign.org

The rallies are being organized in a grassroots manner by Fight for the Future members who agree to host an event in their town. Fight for the Future then provides those members with banners and support with recruitment. More events are being added all the time, so check back before Tuesday if you don’t see one in your area yet.

Rallies are already planned across the U.S. in small cities like Anchorage, Alaska, and major ones including New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Palo Alto at Apple’s headquarters, and Boston. Supporters outside the U.S. have planned rallies at Apple stores in Hong Kong and Munich.

In Washington, DC, protesters will gather at the FBI’s headquarters, the J. Edgar Hoover building.

This past Wednesday, after Fight for the Future issued the call for rallies at Apple stores, there was so much interest that they decided to organize one in San Francisco that day on just a few hours notice. Dozens of people turned out to protest the FBI’s position. See photos here.

“People are rallying at Apple stores because what the FBI is demanding here will make all of us less safe, not more safe,” said Evan Greer, campaign director of Fight for the Future, “their unconstitutional attack on our digital security could put millions of people in danger, so we’re giving those people a way to get their voices heard.”

Fight for the Future senior staff are available for interviews in advance of the Tuesday events, and can connect journalists with Fight for the Future members who are hosting these events in various cities.

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Fight for the Future works to defend the Internet as a free and open platform for expression and creativity, and is best known for their role organizing the massive online protests against SOPA, the Internet Slowdown for net neutrality, and the Reset The Net campaign for online privacy, which was endorsed by Edward Snowden.