3 ms·

Here's my issue: Google could, in theory, provide them access to the device. But that's not what they're asking for. They're asking for usernames, passwords,

Here's my issue: Google could, in theory, provide them access to the device. But that's not what they're asking for. They're asking for usernames, passwords, SSN, etc. By all means, the FBI can submit a warrant to a lock manufacturer to open a lock. They can not, however, tell the lock manufacturer to give them the contents of whatever the lock is protecting. That's a separate warrant.

freehunter 15y ago
This is true, and you've just pointed out a big difference from old to new that I had forgotten about. But what if the safe in the metaphor is owned by someone else and residing on their property, and contains multiple smaller safes inside? That's kind of like cloud-based apps that Android uses heavily. The Feds have enough reason to believe there is relevant information in email, text, and web searches to convince a court of this (difficulty level of convincing a court is debatable). There also is generally a lot of shit the man pushes out with the knowledge they likely won't be given a response to, and they will accept that. It's a fishing expedition. It's not right, but it's common.