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NEW: Newly obtained records shows that law enforcement regularly breaks into encrypted phones.
That’s because at least 2,000 U.S. law enforcement agencies have tools to get into locked phones and extract their data, far more than previously known. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/21/technology/iphone-encryption-police.html?referringSource=articleShare
That’s because at least 2,000 U.S. law enforcement agencies have tools to get into locked phones and extract their data, far more than previously known. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/21/technology/iphone-encryption-police.html?referringSource=articleShare
These findings are from a report published today by @TeamUpturn.
They collected years of public records that undercut both law enforcement's complaints that encryption is stifling investigations and Apple's marketing that iPhones are impenetrable. https://www.upturn.org/reports/2020/mass-extraction/
They collected years of public records that undercut both law enforcement's complaints that encryption is stifling investigations and Apple's marketing that iPhones are impenetrable. https://www.upturn.org/reports/2020/mass-extraction/
At least 49 of the 50 largest U.S. police departments have the tools, as well as many smaller agencies in places like Buckeye, Ariz., and Walla Walla, Wash.
The records suggest that U.S. authorities have searched hundreds of thousands of phones since 2015.
Map: @TeamUpturn
The records suggest that U.S. authorities have searched hundreds of thousands of phones since 2015.
Map: @TeamUpturn
The records also show that law enforcement use the tools in an increasing range of cases -- not just murders and kidnappings, but drugs and shoplifting, too.
Here's a 2017 warrant to search phones related to a fight over $70 at a McDonald's in Coon Rapids, Minn.
Here's a 2017 warrant to search phones related to a fight over $70 at a McDonald's in Coon Rapids, Minn.
Authorities say the tools are hardly a panacea.
Sometimes they work within hours; sometimes they take weeks; and sometimes they can't get in at all.
That's because they rely on guessing a phone's passcode and, well, that can take a while. https://twitter.com/jacknicas/status/1218197925391630340?s=20
Sometimes they work within hours; sometimes they take weeks; and sometimes they can't get in at all.
That's because they rely on guessing a phone's passcode and, well, that can take a while. https://twitter.com/jacknicas/status/1218197925391630340?s=20
The tools also aren't cheap. They go for roughly $9,000 to $18,000 each, plus up to $15,000 more in annual fees, according to invoices.
There are also now premium tools that can crack into newer phones but cost much more. Here's a March invoice from Dallas for $227,000.
There are also now premium tools that can crack into newer phones but cost much more. Here's a March invoice from Dallas for $227,000.
Apple has long made security central to iPhone marketing. This ad played constantly during the NBA playoffs.
Apple said its security helps "customers defend against criminals, hackers & identity thieves.” But it added: No device can be truly impenetrable.
Apple said its security helps "customers defend against criminals, hackers & identity thieves.” But it added: No device can be truly impenetrable.
Despite the tools, authorities still want an easier way into phones, and Apple and Google still refuse to build a "back door."
In the meantime, this is the messy middle ground where neither side gets its way.
Read our full coverage here: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/21/technology/iphone-encryption-police.html
In the meantime, this is the messy middle ground where neither side gets its way.
Read our full coverage here: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/21/technology/iphone-encryption-police.html
I spoke with @ShiraOvide about the encryption debate and how this uncomfortable workaround might just be the best possible option for all sides.
(Though it’d be a lot better if law enforcement was more transparent.) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/21/technology/police-can-open-your-phone-its-ok.html
(Though it’d be a lot better if law enforcement was more transparent.) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/21/technology/police-can-open-your-phone-its-ok.html
