Apple and Google Will Regret Barring Government From Data Access

Apple and Google's newest smartphones will automatically encrypt data stored on them, preventing the government from accessing personal photos, documents and other data. Stewart Baker, partner at Steptoe & Johnson LLP and former first Assistant Secretary for Policy at the Department of Homeland Security, says these privacy measures will cause the government to miss important information that could be used to patrol criminals and potential terrorists. While he believes the government will likely be unsuccessful in pursuing access to the data through litigation against Apple and Google, he says the companies will regret this in the future.