FBI says it can't unlock 8,000 encrypted devices, demands backdoors for America's 'public safety'
FBI Director Christopher Wray has picked up where he left off last year with a new call for backdoors in encryption exclusively for law enforcement.
Speaking at the International Conference on Cyber Security in New York today, Wray complained that in the past year the Feds have seized 7,775 devices that they can't unlock and decrypt. He said the situation was ridiculous, and called on the technology industry to find a solution. Essentially, let Uncle Sam's g-men decrypt data stored on devices on demand, while still somehow keeping stuff secure against hackers and other crooks, he argued.
"Being unable to access those devices is a major public safety issue and impacts our investigations across the board," he said. "This problem will require a thoughtful and sensible approach. We have people devoted to working with stakeholders to find a way forward. We need the private sector’s help."
