Security News > 2020 > January > Apple calls BS on FBI, AG Barr after iGiant accused of dragging its heels in murder probe iPhone decryption

Apple has responded to a demand from the United States' Attorney General William Barr that it grant the FBI access to two iPhones used in a recent shooting by carefully calling bullshit on his claims.

Barr held a press conference on Monday in which he accused Apple of not having given the FBI "Any substantive assistance" in the case of Saudi airman Mohammed al-Shamrani, who shot and killed three American sailors at a naval base in Pensacola, Florida.

In response, Apple restated the policy it has with respect to accessing iPhones and the one that its CEO Tim Cook very publicly stood by the last time the FBI asked for help cracking iPhones.

"The FBI only notified us on January 6th that they needed additional assistance a month after the attack occurred," Apple stated.

It was worth noting that the FBI provided details about the second iPhone to the press at the same time it sent them to Apple, suggesting a calculated strategy to put pressure on Apple.

News URL

https://go.theregister.co.uk/feed/www.theregister.co.uk/2020/01/14/apple_ag_bs/