Apple, Google urge to block back door access to cellphones

Apple, Google and dozens of other high tech firms Tuesday asked US President Barack Obama to block proposals that would allow law enforcement to view encrypted data. "Strong encryption is the cornerstone of the modern information economy's security," the coalition said in a letter, the Washington Post said.
The industry boosted security measures and encryption after revelations by a contractor about the National Security Agency's massive collection of telephone metadata.
Federal law enforcement officials have warned that such encryption poses a threat to public safety and security officials' ability to stop crime.
Apple and Google last year said they would offer smartphone encryptions at a level that law enforcement could not break.
One of the ideas floated by the government is a requirement that smartphone makers must provide a "back door" for law enforcement access.