First Case Surfaces of Law Enforcement Forcing Suspect to Unlock iPhone With Face ID

Law enforcement cannot force you to diverge your passcode (“something you know”), but they can force you to unlock with a finger or face (“something you possess”).

There’s a quick way to lock your iPhone in the event police stop you. It’s called the “Cop Button” in the older iPhones with the touch button. Tap the power button quickly 5 times.

Alternately, in new iPhones, hold the right and either left buttons for 3 seconds. Now your phone will not unlock without a passcode.

iOS 11 has a ‘cop button’ to temporarily disable Touch ID

Apple is adding an easy way to quickly disable Touch ID in iOS 11. A new setting, designed to automate emergency services calls, lets iPhone users tap the power button quickly five times to call 911. This doesn’t automatically dial the emergency services by default, but it brings up the option to and also temporarily disables Touch ID until you enter a passcode.

Commenting Policy

Commenting Rules

Readers are welcome to post comments on the material posted here, but some simple rules apply:

No trolls allowed
I reserve the right to refuse comments.
This site is meant to express my point of view. If you are looking for a soapbox to promote your own views, create your own website or blog site.
Comments should be brief (preferably under 100 words), polite, constructive and informed.
Comments which are simply attacks on myself, or are done in bad taste, or use rude language, or are possibly defamatory will not be posted.
You must state your full name to have your comments posted.
I may reply to some of your comments but will not be able to respond to all.

If you are happy to abide by these rules, then by all means, send in your comments. Happy writing!