In a customer letter released by Apple, they said that they have opposed an order given by the United States government to take an unprecedented step with regard to encryption. This, according to the company, threatens the security of their customers.

They believe that such an order is getting out of hands and has implications that are far beyond the legal case faced by the company. 

Included in the letter is the company's call for public discussion.

On the other hand, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and some members of the general public have turned against the company and is leaning towards the US government's side for safety reasons.

Apple, make of iPhones, has been ordered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to comply with their request to hack into a specific iPhone. That iPhone is believed to be used by Syed Rizwan Farook, who is involved in San Bernardino shooting, Business Finance News reports.

FBI wants to gain access into the phone in order to retrieve data that might be helpful in the case and might help combat terrorism in the long run. Such access, the agency believes, could help ensure public safety.

However, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that this is not possible as hacking into the phone involves developing a hacking software that could be a threat to public safety as it will be a backdoor for terrorists as well.

 "Specifically, the FBI wants us to make a new version of the iPhone operating system, circumventing several important security features, and install it on an iPhone recovered during the investigation. In the wrong hands, this software - which does not exist today - would have the potential to unlock any iPhone in someone's physical possession," the customer letter states.

"The FBI may use different words to describe this tool, but make no mistake: Building a version of iOS that bypasses security in this way would undeniably create a backdoor. And while the government may argue that its use would be limited to this case, there is no way to guarantee such control," the letter further states.

Facebook, Twitter, Google and other tech companies that understand this supported the company.

Apple, on the other hand, requested the government create a panel to discuss the situation and find a peaceful solution without having to put a threat to data security.