The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced last week - after over a month long legal battle with Apple - that it won't require the company's help in unlocking the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone 5c, as it managed to break Apple's encryption through other sources. Now, a request to unlock two other devices made by a prosecutor in Arkansas has been acknowledged by the FBI.
Two teenagers who allegedly murdered Robert and Patricia Cogdell last July in Arkansas are facing a trial in which they have pleaded not guilty to the capital murder, aggravated robbery and other related charges. The prosecutors are in possession of an iPhone 6 belonging to 18-year old Hunter Drexler and an iPod belonging to 15-year old Justin Staton.
It is believed that the teenagers used these devices to plot the murder and may contain critical evidence. The FBI hasn't revealed how they gained access to the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone, but it seems to have figured out a way to unlock devices regularly, as it has agreed to do the same for the devices confiscated in this case.
Apple wasn't pleased by the FBI's request and the latest event will further increase the growing concern among tech companies and the community regarding the protection of user privacy versus law enforcement.
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