Police can't force suspect to use fingerprint to unlock phone, Idaho federal judge rules

Idaho Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald E. Bush denied a search warrant to force an individual to use their fingerprint to unlock a cellphone that is part of a criminal investigation.

Per the ruling unsealed May 9, an unnamed law enforcement agency served a search warrant on an unnamed suspect accused of possession of child pornography. The warrant was served at the suspect’s residence.

A cellphone was among the items seized. However, the smartphone was locked and required a fingerprint password to unlock it. Investigators applied for another search warrant to require the suspect’s fingerprint to see whether it would unlock the phone.

Because the fingerprint search warrant is still under seal, Bush would not disclose its details, including the suspect’s or law enforcement agency’s names.

Read more: https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article230353329.html