US govt unlocks iPhone without Apple's help

NEW YORK

The Justice Department said Monday that it has unlocked an iPhone related to a deadly terror attack, without Apple's help.

The government has asked a federal court to dismiss an order that compelled the tech giant to assist the FBI.

"The government has now successfully accessed the data stored on Farook’s iPhone and therefore no longer requires the assistance from Apple Inc.," the agency wrote in its filing, referring to alleged gunman Syed Farook. It did not disclose the method used to hack the device or if a third party was used.

"The government hereby requests that the order compelling Apple Inc. to assist agents in search dated Feb. 16, 2016 be vacated," it added.

The court asked Apple last month to aid the FBI in unlocking the iPhone in question by writing software, but company CEO Tim Cook refused, claiming it would endanger the privacy of millions of users around the world.

The Justice Department argued that the phone could carry sensitive information regarding the shooting that killed 14 victims in San Bernardino, California, last December and could provide intelligence for additional terrorist links, individuals and organizations.

Government spokesperson Melanie Newman said the FBI is currently reviewing the information on the phone, consistent with standard investigatory procedures and stressed the importance of gaining information from digital devices for public security.

“It remains a priority for the government to ensure that law enforcement can obtain crucial digital information to protect national security and public safety, either with cooperation from relevant parties, or through the court system when cooperation fails," Newman said.