Last year, the FBI sought a court order forcing Apple to help it access the encrypted iPhone of San Bernardino shooter, Rizwan Farook. The FBI wanted Apple to create software allowing it to circumvent the built-in protection that prevents more than 10 attempts to enter a PIN number. Apple refused and litigation commenced. The FBI was ultimately able to access the data stored in Farook’s phone without Apple’s help and so, the Department of Justice dropped its suit against Apple.
However, privacy advocates predicted more such cases would be filed, and stressed they would involve personal devices connected to the internet. It appears they may be right. Law enforcement officials have now turned to Amazon for assistance in accessing the personal data of one of its customers. Amazon was served with a search warrant seeking audio recordings possibly made by the Amazon Echo found in the home of murder suspect, James Bates.
