Ten years ago today, Apple published a defiant statement opposing government demands to create a backdoor into iPhones. In February 2016, CEO Tim Cook argued that complying with FBI requests to unlock a San Bernardino shooter's iPhone would set a dangerous precedent for privacy and security.

At the time, the FBI had botched its own attempts to access the iPhone 5c running iOS 9, ignoring Apple's guidance and preventing potential iCloud data recovery. Apple proposed four alternative data recovery methods that didn't require building surveillance software, but the government pressed forward with an order under the 1789 All Writs Act. Cook warned that such government overreach could extend to accessing messages, health records, financial data, and even phone cameras without user knowledge.

Today's Apple appears to have abandoned that principled stance, removing apps like ICEblock when requested by authorities without legal challenge. The company that once fought government overreach now complies with demands that critics say violate First Amendment protections. While Apple may argue it's protecting business interests under the current administration, the shift represents a dramatic departure from the company that declared government surveillance capabilities 'chilling' and worth fighting in court.