​The world’s most valuable listed company has become its most controversial. Yesterday Apple filed a motion to set aside a court order to assist the FBI in unlocking a dead terrorist’s iPhone. It was used by Syed Rizwan Farook, who, with his wife, murdered 14 people in San Bernardino, California, in December. Tim Cook, Apple’s boss, claims that any tool Apple creates to unlock that device might be used on others. Less scrupulous authorities elsewhere might also demand a similar skeleton key to seized iPhones. The government has called Mr Cook’s appeal to his customers’ privacy a marketing ploy. If so, it may not work. According to a Pew Research Centre poll, 51% of Americans think Apple should help the FBI but only 38% side with the firm. However, the arbiter is neither public opinion nor the market, but a judge: a hearing is scheduled for March 22nd.