Apple Will No Longer Unlock Most iPhones, iPads for Police, Even with Search Warrants
Tags: 2010s Backdoors Mobile
Authors: Timberg, Craig
Published: September 2014
Abstract: In late 2014, in response to allegations of over-participation in government efforts to collect user information, Apple announced a plan to cease turning over user data to police, even when they have a search a warrant. The move, which was classified as an “engineering solution to a legal quandary,” came in the form of an update to the Apple’s mobile operating system privacy policy and relied primarily upon the encryption automatically placed on Apple mobile devices, via the selection of an access passcode. The new policy prevented anyone but the device’s owner from gaining access to the vast trove of user data stored on Apple devices; however, the protection does not reach user data stored elsewhere, such as in the iCloud. The move was praised by civil liberties advocates, as an important step towards prioritizing consumer privacy, and condemned by law enforcement officials, who viewed it as an impediment to preventing and solving crimes. Apple has continued to steadfastly enforce this policy. Most notably, in January 2020, Apple refused to unlock the iPhones of the suspected shooter at Pensacola Naval Air Station. They have also continuously resisted calls from lawmakers to build a “backdoor” for law enforcement.