14 DAY TRIAL // The FBI vs. Apple soap-opera continues with a new episode, this time involving the feds, as reports coming from sources close to the matter reveal that a number of US Senators have been briefed about the method used to break into the San Bernardino iPhone.
The agency managed to hack the iPhone with the help of an undisclosed third-party, but refused to provide information regarding the hack to Apple, preferring instead to keep it secret for the time being and decide whether the company should receive such details after it finalizes the investigation in this case.
Senators finding out about the hack
But in the meantime, it appears that the FBI has already started sharing information about the way it unlocked the device in private briefings with US Senators.
Senator Dianne Feinstein was one of the first to find out about FBI’s method of hacking iPhones, reports coming from the National Journal and CNET reveal, but just as expected, absolutely no details are being disclosed.
In case you’re wondering how come Feinstein is getting access to such information, she is the vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and one of the senators who backed regulations that would force phone manufacturers to install backdoors for government access on devices sold in the United States.
In addition to Feinstein, Senator Richard Burr also got access to similar information. He’s also one of the backers of pro-backdoor bills and together with Feinstein, took FBI’s side in the case against Apple, emphasizing that the agency shouldn’t tell Cupertino how it unlocked the San Bernardino iPhone.
“I don't believe the government has any obligation to Apple. No company or individual is above the law, and I'm dismayed that anyone would refuse to help the government in a major terrorism investigation,” Feinstein was quoted as saying.
Apple expects the hack to leak
While the FBI refuses to tell Apple about the method used to unlock the iPhone, the company expects information regarding this hack to leak in the near future. That will be the moment when Apple’s security can develop a patch and then ship it to iPhones in the US, as a hack freely available out there could easily expose its customers.
Without a doubt, the more people find out about the hack, the bigger the chances for the leak to take place, but for the moment, it appears that those who are briefed about it are mostly anti-Apple senators who are very likely to keep everything secret.
Apple hasn’t yet issued a response to news that US senators are being briefed about FBI’s hack, but an official statement is expected to be offered by a company executive sometimes soon.