How long does the police have to use a dead person and unlock their cell phone?

A lot of people around here must have heard of a police raid in the United States in late April, when officers were trying to unlock the dead man's cell phone using their fingerprints. The episode drew attention because it was even a legal action, but very inappropriate. And then there were some questions: Why exactly can the authorities do this? And how much time do they have to act? Will it happen more often?

Apple and FBI have already discussed a lot about unauthorized unlocking of smartphones

Firstly, smartphone unlocking has been going on for a few years now. Apple and the FBI cracked because of this, as the researchers wanted a specific program to unlock devices. In the situation of the recent deceased, there was support because the intent of the police was to use biometrics to uncover the circumstances of the perpetrator's own death - in what we might call "morbid authentication".

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Lieutenant Randall Chaney stated that, with this justification for gathering evidence, "there is a 48 to 72 hour window for the phone to be accessed through the fingerprint sensor." That is, if fashion catches on - and believe me, it's already happening - anyone can see your search history, behavior, nudes, all in all, including the shameful messages you once sent drunk. All in the name of the law, to find out how they killed you.

First similar case happened in 2016

Almost two years ago, there was the first record of a similar occurrence. FBI agents used a bloody finger from an assassin at Ohio State University to find out more about the episode. It turns out that such a 48- to 72-hour window had already expired, prompting the officers to find another way to unlock the gadget.

This was the first known official account of anyone trying to use a dead man's hand to open an electronic device. Since then, this has been happening more often. Shortly thereafter, Forbes revealed that "different sources close to local and federal law enforcement officials from New York and Ohio, who asked to remain anonymous, said the use of deceased fingerprints on Apple scanners was normal."

The discussion still seems to yield a lot of mango cloth, especially in other places, such as Brazil, where we do not yet know how much it can be used to contribute to an investigation - or if it has already been used. Many people have even been suggesting that there are clauses similar to those of organ donors so that users can consent to open their devices in the event of their deaths.

And you, what do you think about all this? Would you let someone open your smartphone in case you die to find the author? Or would you give in the prints of a deceased friend or relative? Leave your opinions!

How long does the police have to use a dead person and unlock their cell phone? via TecMundo