iPhone Not Secure Enough for Pres. Obama; BlackBerry to the Rescue?

FindLaw columnist Eric Sinrod writes regularly in this section on legal developments surrounding technology and the Internet.

Earlier this year, I told you about how I finally took the leap and moved off of my BlackBerry to the latest iPhone. It was a struggle for me at first, because I was addicted (yes, a confirmed CrackBerry addict) to the tactile keyboard for ease of typing on the BlackBerry device. But, as you may recall, I was won over by the many other fantastic features of the iPhone, including Siri voice recognition, the larger screen, better photography, and the vast array of iPhone apps.

I have been very happy with my iPhone for the better part of 2013 -- notwithstanding the fact that I often miss the BlackBerry keyboard. So, end of story, right? iPhone wins and BlackBerry loses, correct?

Not so fast when it comes to our Commander in Chief -- President Barack Obama.

Indeed, Reuters reports that President Obama stated recently that he is not permitted to use an iPhone for "security reasons." He made this remark at a meeting during which he was touting his new healthcare law. Say what? That's right! While the President uses an iPad, he is not allowed to use an iPhone.

Apparently, President Obama had to fight hard to keep his BlackBerry when he first arrived at the White House. And only 10 people reportedly have access to his email address. So while he is permitted that device, the iPhone has been deemed less secure for his presidential purposes.

Thus, while BlackBerry is struggling to survive as a company as its market dominance has been eclipsed by the iPhone and Android smartphones, it still finds favor from our current President.

Interestingly, and somewhat difficult to fathom, neither former Presidents George W. Bush nor Bill Clinton used email during their terms in the White House.

Eric Sinrod is a partner in the San Francisco office of Duane Morris LLP, where he focuses on litigation matters of various types, including information technology and intellectual property disputes. You can read his professional biography here. To receive a weekly email link to Mr. Sinrod's columns, please email him at ejsinrod@duanemorris.com with Subscribe in the Subject line. This column is prepared and published for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author's law firm or its individual partners.

Related Resources:

• Why Obama Still Uses a BlackBerry (Slate)
• BlackBerry Messenger Leaves the Sandbox for Android, iOS Soon (FindLaw's Technologist)
• 'CrackBerry' Reboot? BlackBerry Announces Z10, Q10 Models (FindLaw's Technologist)
• When Should an Attorney Dump His BlackBerry for an iPhone? (FindLaw's Technologist)