Bill Gates argued at Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) that Apple and FBI should find a balance between protecting devices' security and providing law enforcement with important data. Microsoft's co-founder wrote that modernizing laws will help to create new standards for tech companies including how governments work together.
Gates was asked about details for finding a balance between privacy and security. He suggested that tech companies could take steps to limit law enforcement's powers to certain cases.
Microsoft's former CEO made similar statements last month when he stated that finding a "balance" was important, according to The Verge.
Other tech company executives and politicians are taking a similar position. They do not want to fully support or oppose encryption.
Gates knows that privacy is important. However, he points out that most people believe the government should be aware of financial and communication data, but there should also be some protection.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made similar comments on March 7, Monday. She explained it is important to avoid breaking data encryption but also to prevent crime and terrorism.
However, companies such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon have publically supported Apple in its battle with the FBI about unlocking a San Bernardino shooter's iPhone 5c.
Last month Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg supported encryption and argued it should not be blocked. Meanwhile, he added that his company has a big responsibility to fight terrorism.
Tim Cook has argued that the United States Congress should take up the issue. It would result in much lobbying but would help to set guidelines to help draw the line between privacy and security.
NPR points out that the public's attitudes about mobile phones have changed as the technology has. In 2014 the Supreme Court took up its first privacy issue related to a cellphone in Riley vs. California & United States vs. Wurie, according to NPR.
The Supreme Court made a unanimous decision for the two cases. It ruled that in most cases the police must secure a warrant before they search the digital content of a mobile phone of a person they arrested. The Supreme Court Justices argued that even though cellphones can be held in a hand they are still protected by privacy laws.
Here's Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak's views on Apple vs. FBI: