Google and Apple are stepping up the security in their mobile operating systems, and not everyone is happy about it.
In a speech addressing the Global Alliance Conference Against Child Sexual Abuse Online, outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder criticized the level of security encryption coming to mobile devices, including features rolling out in the newest releases of iOS and Android. He argued that the extensive encryption of mobile phones could hinder law enforcement’s ability to protect children from kidnappers and sexual predators by preventing law enforcement from circumventing built-in security features in the case of an emergency.
“It is fully possible to permit law enforcement to do its job while still adequately protecting personal privacy,” said Holder.
Despite giving technology companies praise for creating databases, such as PhotoDNA, to combat child sexual materials online, Holder was clear that law enforcement need to be able to “take every legally available step” to prevent child abuse and added, “it is worrisome to see companies thwarting our ability to do so.”
Although Holder’s entreaty for mobile software developers to maintain backdoor access for law enforcement appears to have altruistic intentions, government agencies will still have access to multiple channels of smartphone-related data, despite the rollout of enhanced security features.
Call and text message records kept by cell carriers will continue to be accessible to law enforcement, along with location data and information stored on “cloud” servers. Additionally, password-cracking technology and other “hacking” tools can legally be used by police if they have a search warrant.
