Government seeks to compel Apple after its refusal
United States Department of JusticeU.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
The government asks the court to enforce the assistance order, arguing that the warrant and technical limits justify the requested help.
Responding to
Compelling Apple to create software bypassing iPhone safeguards would exceed the government's proper authority and threaten security beyond this investigation.
“Action: Filed a motion asking the court to compel Apple to comply with its February 16 assistance order.”
Original text
Where this statement fits
Was Apple right to refuse to create software to unlock the San Bernardino iPhone?
Apple opposed creating software to bypass safeguards on a seized San Bernardino iPhone. The government sought to compel its assistance under a court order. The proceeding ended when investigators obtained access without Apple and the order was vacated; the court did not resolve the disputed authority on the merits.
Source and context
Original text
About this source
This motion follows Apple's public refusal and argues for enforcement of the February 16 order. It presents the government's position, not a final judicial ruling.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
Apple had publicly objected to creating the requested bypass software after the February 16 order.
After the quotation
The government argues the request is limited to the identified phone. The order was later vacated after access was obtained without Apple.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The motion rejects Apple's refusal and seeks to compel the conduct it withheld. It follows the company's public opposition.
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More from this case
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CDT supports Apple's challenge to the unlocking order
Center for Democracy & Technology
“The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) has filed an amicus brief in support of Apple in its challenge to the FBI order”Read statement
Microsoft backs Apple and calls for modern privacy laws
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“By standing with Apple, we’re standing up for customers who depend on us to keep their most private information safe and secure.”Read statement
Cite this record
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- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Government seeks to compel Apple after its refusal
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- https://disputeindex.com/events/5536-the-government-asks-the-court-to-enforce-the
Last updated marks the most recent saved version of this published statement.
The Dispute Index. "Government seeks to compel Apple after its refusal". First published: 2026-10-11. Last updated: 2026-10-11. https://disputeindex.com/events/5536-the-government-asks-the-court-to-enforce-the