Push for encryption law falters despite Apple case spotlight
Source: Reuters
Politics | Fri May 27, 2016 1:08am EDT
Push for encryption law falters despite Apple case spotlight
WASHINGTON/ SAN FRANCISCO | BY DUSTIN VOLZ, MARK HOSENBALL AND JOSEPH MENN
After a rampage that left 14 people dead in San Bernardino, key U.S. lawmakers pledged to seek a law requiring technology companies to give law enforcement agencies a "back door" to encrypted communications and electronic devices, such as the iPhone used by one of the shooters.
Now, only months later, much of the support is gone, and the push for legislation dead, according to sources in congressional offices, the administration and the tech sector.
Draft legislation that Senators Richard Burr and Dianne Feinstein, the Republican and Democratic leaders of the Intelligence Committee, had circulated weeks ago likely will not be introduced this year and, even if it were, would stand no chance of advancing, the sources said.
Key among the problems was the lack of White House support for legislation in spite of a high-profile court showdown between the Justice Department and Apple Inc over the suspect iPhone, according to Congressional and Obama Administration officials and outside observers.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-encryption-legislation-idUSKCN0YI0EM