'Beyond The Law?' FBI Criticizes Apple, Google Privacy Features

The FBI director criticized Apple and Google Thursday for adopting new policies that will block police from accessing private data on phones and tablet computers.  An FBI spokesman confirmed that Director James Comey told reporters he is "very concerned" that the new features could thwart critical police investigations. The bureau has contacted both companies to learn more, the spokesman said.

"What concerns me about this is companies marketing something expressly to allow people to hold themselves beyond the law," Comey said, according to the Associated Press. He reportedly said he fears a moment will come when "when people with tears in their eyes look at me and say, 'What do you mean you can't?'"

Last week, Apple announced that its new operating system will make it impossible for the company to unlock iPhones and iPads. Even if the police obtain a warrant, Apple would be unable to turn over information such as photos, video, or contact lists stored on the device. Google, which makes the popular Android operating system, announced a similar policy the following day...