Apple Comes Out Swinging at Congressional Hearing on Encryption

Apple (AAPL) defended its position in the FBI hacking case before members of Congress on Tuesday, as the House Judiciary committee held a hearing on encryption. 'The FBI is asking Apple to weaken the security of our products,' said Bruce Sewell, General Counsel of Apple, in written testimony submitted to Congress. 'Hackers and cyber criminals could use this to wreak havoc on our privacy and personal safety. It would set a dangerous precedent for government intrusion on the privacy and safety of its citizens.' FBI Director James Comey testified the government just wants to use all means available to assist in its investigation of the San Bernardino shootings, but agreed during Congressional questioning that whatever happens in this case, a precedent will likely be set. TheStreet's Rhonda Schaffler reports from New York.