I think you make some good points - thanks for the back and forth. I think participating in iCloud access is worse than just providing dumb phones and closer t

I think you make some good points - thanks for the back and forth. I think participating in iCloud access is worse than just providing dumb phones and closer to assisting with surveillance. A similar example would be enabling encryption in the west, but breaking it to comply with local law in authoritarian countries where people need it most. The distinction that they're not the ones specifically doing the surveillance seems less important, they're complicit in it. I agree the flag itself, specifically, is a small thing - but it still bothers me because of the precedent it sets. > "The inevitable conclusion of this line of reasoning is that no western company should do business in China." I struggle with this, maybe that's not so bad? I'd be happy if western companies didn't help to enable authoritarian countries whether in China, the Middle East, or elsewhere. Rule of law should be an important consideration when what you're doing can enable the oppression of a country's citizens. > "Apple doesn't gain anything from doing any of the things they get criticized for in China. " I think they do gain access to the Chinese market which is a lot - this is why I see them as making excuses for everything else they do that's required for this access.