The FBI aren’t the only one that is trying to force Apple’s hand in unlocking an iPhone as investigators in New York have also compelled the company to unlock a seized iPhone 5S. Fortunately for Apple, the New York judge has ruled in their favour today, as the judge in charge of the case says that what the government is asking for went too far.
Much like the FBI case, investigators wanted the court to compel Apple to unlock the iPhone in question via the All Writs Act, a statute that dates back to the 18th century. For this particular case, US Magistrate Judge James Orenstein believes that “whatever else the AWA’s ‘usage and principles’ clause may be intended to accomplish, it cannot be a means for the executive branch to achieve a legislatiev goal that Congress has considered and rejected.”
Orenstein further added that “given the government’s boundless interpretation of the All Writs Act, it is hard to conceive of any limits on the orders the government could obtain in the future.”
While the case between the FBI and Apple is still in its infancy, many believe that this ruling from the New York Court may affect the decision made by the judges when the case goes to court in California soon. “It’s a meticulous and scholary opinion. It should be a roadmap for any court considering one of these requests from the government,” says Alex Abdo, attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union.
Source: Ars Technica
