FBI overstated encryption problem with cell phones

https://www.sfgate.com/business/technology/article/FBI-misstated-number-of-encrypted-phones-due-to-12937571.php

WASHINGTON (AP) — A programming error led the FBI to vastly overstate the number of cell phones that investigators could not access because of encryption, officials said Wednesday.

Director Chris Wray has repeatedly said in speeches that nearly 7,800 mobile devices seized during investigations couldn't be opened due to digital encryption in fiscal year 2017.

But officials said they have determined that that number is incorrect and a result of "significant over-counting" from three separate databases that the bureau uses.

The officials did not provide a more accurate number, but the Washington Post, which first reported the problem, said the actually tally was probably between 1,000 and 2,000.