WASHINGTON — March 3, 2016 — BSA | The Software Alliance, the Consumer Technology Association, the Information Technology Industry Council, and TechNet will file an amicus brief in support of Apple. Our groups have serious concerns over calls for weakened encryption and the implications they present to privacy and security. The All Writs Act does not authorize the government to force a company to create a new product or design a product in a particular way. Moreover, the government’s interpretation of the All Writs Act leaves no room for weighing critical issues like maintaining the security of individuals’ most personal information. We and our member companies have great respect for the FBI and support its mission. We are committed to finding balanced solutions which protect the safety and privacy of our citizens without damaging public trust or undermining security.

About BSA

BSA | The Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the leading advocate for the global software industry before governments and in the international marketplace. Its members are among the world’s most innovative companies, creating software solutions that spark the economy and improve modern life. With headquarters in Washington, DC, and operations in more than 60 countries, BSA pioneers compliance programs that promote legal software use and advocates for public policies that foster technology innovation and drive growth in the digital economy.

About the Consumer Technology Association

Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, formerly Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)®, is the trade association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies – 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world’s best known brands – enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns and produces CES® – the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technology. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA’s industry services.

About ITI

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) is the global voice of the tech sector, celebrating its 100th year in 2016 as the premier advocacy and policy organization for the world’s leading innovation companies. We advocate for global policies that advance industry leadership, open access to new and emerging markets, promote e-commerce expansion, drive sustainability and efficiency, protect consumer choice, and enhance worldwide competitiveness of our member companies. Visit www.itic.org to learn more. Follow us on Twitter for the latest ITI news @ITI_TechTweets.

About TechNet

TechNet is the national, bipartisan network of CEOs and senior executives that promotes the growth of the technology industry by building long-term relationships between technology leaders and policymakers and by advocating a targeted policy agenda at the federal and 50-state level.  TechNet has offices in Washington, D.C., Silicon Valley, Sacramento, Seattle, Boston, and Austin.