FBI Forced Suspect To Unlock His iPhone X Through Face ID (engadget.com)

In what may be a world first, the FBI has forced a suspect to unlock his iPhone X using Apple's Face ID feature. From a report: Agents in Columbus, Ohio entered the home of 28-year-old Grant Michalski, who was suspected of child abuse, according to court documents spotted by Forbes. With a search warrant in hand, they forced him to put his face on front of the device to unlock it. They were then able to freely search for his photos, chats and any other potential evidence. The FBI started investigating Michalski after discovering his ad on Craigslist titled "taboo." Later, they discovered emails in which he discussed incest and sex with minors with another defendant, William Weekly.

Comments

Knew this was coming

[sjbe]

In what may be a world first, the FBI has forced a suspect to unlock his iPhone X using Apple's Face ID feature.

Could see this coming. No different logically from forcing someone to unlock with a fingerprint which they've already done and gotten judicial cover for. If you want to keep it private best to require a code (that only you know) to unlock which US courts have upheld as a valid 5th amendment defense.

My 1 year old daughter recently unlocked my wife's phone when my wife was standing behind her so that should give you a good idea how secure it is. It's the rough equivalent to a tiny luggage lock. Useful for keeping out the most causal snoopers but not really serious security.

Re:Can they do that?

[jeff4747]

A warrant says they have the right to search your house, or in this case device. it doesn't compel you to unlock it for them

A warrant can compel you to provide "things you are". Such as fingerprints, DNA or opening your eyes for FaceID to work.

A warrant can not compel you to provide "things you know", such as an unlock code.....as long as you didn't write it down anywhere, 'cause they can get that paper.

Re:Can they do that?

[cayenne8]

Well, one thing to do is.....DO NOT USE biometrics to access your phone.,

In this case, he'd been much better off using a long, complex passphrase/code for phone access.

They can likely physically force you to touch it for fingerprint ID access, and they've shown they can force you to use FaceID....but so far, I don't think they can reach inside your brain to ferret out the passcode for access.

Hey, it sounds like they got a bad guy here....but just talking in principal, if you want your smart phone, in this case iPhone, to be as secure as possible, use a complex passcode and NOT the biometric stuff.