The FBI has told U.S. law enforcement agencies it will help them unlock mobile devices in investigations when permitted to do so by federal policy and law.
The Bureau reportedly sent a letter to law enforcement agencies saying it understands these authorities do not have the tools to investigate encrypted forms of communication, reports Reuters.
"As has been our longstanding policy, the FBI will of course consider any tool that might be helpful to our partners," the FBI wrote, according to the report. "Please know that we will continue to do everything we can to help you consistent with our legal and policy constraints."
The letter from the FBI follows news t the agency was able to unlock the iPhone used by one of the gunmen in the San Bernardino shooting. The FBI had ordered Apple to unlock the phone, but the tech company refused, saying doing so would threaten the security of all iPhone users. The government eventually received help from a third party to access the phone.
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