
Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey hit out at Apple and Google over new data-security measures designed to reassure customers wary of government prying.
Google and Apple this month announced they are hardening encryption tactics on devices powered by their mobile operating systems.
The move should mean that even if law enforcement agencies have court-issued search warrants, they will be blocked from getting hold of pictures, messages and other personal data stored on newer Android or Apple smartphones and tablets.
"I am a huge believer in the rule of law," Comey told journalists.
"But I also believe that no one in this country is beyond the law. What concerns me about this is companies marketing something expressly to allow people to place themselves beyond the law."
Comey said the FBI had had initial discussions with Apple and Google about the new security measures. He said law enforcement, with a search warrant, must have access to data on criminals' smartphones.
In a reference to US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden, the FBI head said that in a "post-Snowden world... this is an indication (some corporations) go too far."
GMT 19:38 2018 Saturday ,13 January
Facebook joins Europol talks to fight Islamist propagandaGMT 10:23 2018 Wednesday ,03 January
Launch of bird collision avoidance system will save lives, moneyGMT 18:36 2018 Monday ,01 January
WhatsApp messaging service returns after global outageGMT 16:56 2017 Wednesday ,27 December
Hamilton apologises for criticising dress-wearing nephewGMT 19:06 2017 Tuesday ,26 December
Six Arab Instagram stars get their very own three-part reality showGMT 17:46 2017 Monday ,25 December
China shuts down more than 13,000 websites in past three yearsGMT 09:50 2017 Monday ,25 December
Artist 'released' in China after Liu Xiaobo tributeGMT 08:56 2017 Monday ,25 December
Where's Santa? US-Canadian military command tracking St Nick
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor