Department of Justice files motion to force Apple's hand in phone unlocking case

It seems that the U.S. Department of Justice is not content to wait for Apple's response to a court order to assist the FBI in unlocking the phone of one of the San Bernardino shooters. The DOJ has filed a motion to compel Apple to help unlock the iPhone 5c in question.

From ABC News on Twitter:

NEW: DOJ files motion to compel Apple to comply with order to assist FBI in accessing San Bernardino shooter's iPhone.NEW: DOJ files motion to compel Apple to comply with order to assist FBI in accessing San Bernardino shooter's iPhone.— ABC News (@ABC) February 19, 2016 February 19, 2016

Earlier this week, Apple announced its opposition to the order in a letter to customers. CEO Tim Cook said that complying with such an order, which would require Apple to help bypass the iOS auto-erase function, would set a dangerous precedent. The company was previously given until Tuesday, Feb. 23 to formally respond to the court order.

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Joseph Keller is the former Editor in Chief of iMore. An Apple user for almost 20 years, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.