On February 16 , 2016 , the Act was invoked again in an order that Apple Inc. create a special version of its iOS operating system , with certain security features removed , for Federal law enforcement officers to use as part of an investigation into the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack . The head of the FBI stated that what was requested was that Apple disable the iPhone 's feature which erases encrypted data on the device after ten incorrect password attempts . Apple claimed that complying with the order would make brute force password attacks trivial for anyone with access to a phone using this software . Apple CEO Tim Cook in an open letter warned of the precedent that following the order would create . On the same day , the Electronic Frontier Foundation announced its support for Apple 's position . Several public figures have joined the debate
2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack
2015 San Bernardino attack
All Writs Act