Microsoft Easily Unlocks FBI Demand, Leaving Apple’s iPhone on the Bench
KEY POINTS
- •The FBI obtained a warrant in 2024 to access encrypted data tied to COVID unemployment fraud in Guam.
- •Microsoft complied by delivering BitLocker keys to unlock three laptops without public dispute.
- •Apple’s 2016 refusal contrasts with Microsoft’s ease, as other big tech mostly sided with Apple.
In a riveting episode of 'Big Tech Turns Informant', the FBI quietly walked into Microsoft’s office in 2024 with a warrant requesting BitLocker encryption keys for three laptops under suspicion of COVID unemployment fraud in Guam. Unlike Apple’s famous 2016 standoff over the San Bernardino iPhone, Microsoft promptly handed over the keys, showing that sometimes compliance really is a key selling point. Notably absent from this tale of cozy cooperation were Google and Facebook, who, back in 2016, united to support Apple’s encryption stand. Meanwhile, the FBI dove into encrypted mysteries without the drama, proving once again that Microsoft's encryption locks are probably more like SparkNotes.
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Meanwhile at Microsoft: FBI asked for laptop keys, and instead of a dramatic standoff, they got a polite ‘Here you go!’ way to kill suspense.
Apple holding strong on encryption like it’s 'Game of Thrones', while Microsoft is just handing out keys like party favors.
Microsoft’s quick key handover to FBI makes you wonder if their encryption password was ‘password123’.
Source: Theverge | Published: 1/24/2026 | Author: Terrence O’Brien
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