US accuses Apple of 'repudiating' order on phone access

(AP) -- The Justice Department is firing back at Apple for refusing to help unlock a phone used by one of the gunmen in the San Bernardino attack. In a new motion Friday, federal prosecutors say the

News 12 Staff

Feb 20, 2016, 12:23 AM

Updated 3,233 days ago

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(AP) -- The Justice Department is firing back at Apple for refusing to help unlock a phone used by one of the gunmen in the San Bernardino attack.
In a new motion Friday, federal prosecutors say the company has chosen to repudiate a judge's order instead of following it.
The department also says Apple designs its products to allow technology -- "rather than the law" -- to control access to critical data.
Prosecutors also make clear that Apple would be allowed to retain possession of the phone and technology.
The motion offers a sharply worded response to a message that Apple's chief executive officer, Tim Cook, said in a message to Apple customers this week.
It represents a further escalation in a public relations battle that the two sides are waging.