Slashdot Mirror
FBI Tells Local Law Enforcement It Will Help Unlock Phones (buzzfeed.com)
Salvador Hernandez, reporting for BuzzFeed: Just days after breaking into a terrorist's iPhone using a mysterious third-party technique, FBI officials on Friday told local law enforcement agencies it will assist them with unlocking phones and other electronic devices. The advisory, obtained by BuzzFeed News, was sent in response to law enforcement inquiries about its new method of unlocking devices. Though the dispatch does not explicitly state if the FBI will use the mysterious third-party method to unlock phones for local authorities, officials said the agency "will of course consider any tool that might be helpful to our partners."
I have no doubt that the FBI's public proclamation of successfully unlocking the San Bernardino and now this intentionally leaked memo are part of a concerted effort to embarrass Apple by discrediting their encryption and privacy technology. I mean when was the last time you heard of the government bragging about having the ability to hack phones? You would expect the opposite since they wouldn't want such capabilities known. In the end Apple will win because this entire episode will motivate them to double down on their stated encryption/privacy policies and work even harder to lock down the phone to prying eyes.
The purpose of a lock is to keep my stuff mine. Yes, even and especially against governments.
Do I have something to hide? None of your business.
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
It's also illegal to fortify your home. Honest people have even fewer rights.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.