The 404 Media Podcast – Episode: "How Apple is Locking Out Cops"

Release Date: November 13, 2024

In this episode of The 404 Media Podcast, host Joseph, along with co-founders Sam Cole, Emmanuel Mayberg, and Jason Kebler, delve into the intricate relationship between technology giants and law enforcement. The primary focus centers on Apple's introduction of an undocumented feature in iPhones that inadvertently hampers law enforcement's ability to access data on these devices. Additionally, the podcast explores the recent migration of users to the Bluesky social media platform, examining its implications in the broader context of decentralized social media.

1. Apple's Undocumented iPhone Reboot Feature

Introduction to the Feature

Joseph kicks off the discussion by unveiling his investigative report on Apple's covert introduction of an "inactivity reboot" feature in iPhones. This feature causes an iPhone to automatically reboot itself after being locked for approximately three to four days. Although Apple has not officially announced this feature, its existence poses significant challenges for forensic tools used by law enforcement.

Locking Out Forensic Tools

Jason Kebler probes deeper into how this feature affects tools like Cellebrite and Grayshift, which are pivotal for law enforcement in accessing encrypted data on smartphones. Joseph explains the distinction between After First Unlock (AFU) and Before First Unlock (BFU) states:

"After first unlock, AFU is as the name implies... it makes it a bit easier for tools like GreyKey or Celebrate to get access to user data." [04:01]

Conversely, the BFU state, where the device hasn't been unlocked, significantly hinders forensic access:

"BFU is basically when the user has not unlocked their phone... it's going to be generally harder for you to actually get data out of there." [05:24]

Evolution of Forensic Capabilities

Joseph recounts his previous reporting on leaked Cellebrite documents, highlighting the ongoing arms race between Apple’s security enhancements and the evolving capabilities of forensic tools:

"Cellebrite had caught up and it was able to unlock iOS 17.4 in an AFU state." [06:07]

Origins and Purpose of the Reboot Feature

The conversation shifts to the origins of the reboot feature. Initially misunderstood by law enforcement as a potential sabotage by Apple, further investigation revealed it to be a security measure aimed at enhancing overall device protection:

"Apple hasn't given a statement on this... I've spoken to three or four people about it who independently verified it." [10:05]

Broader Security Implications

Joseph posits that this feature is part of Apple's broader security strategy rather than a targeted move against forensic tools:

"Apple takes a much more general approach to security... having a phone reboot after a certain period of time will also potentially stop data being extracted from phones that have been stolen." [10:41]

Historical Context and Future Impact

Reflecting on historical tensions between Apple and law enforcement, especially post the San Bernardino incident, Joseph and Jason discuss how such security features might influence future policies and law enforcement practices:

"Having a four-day timer in the iPhone to reboot... that is dramatic for sure." [17:05]

Jason adds insight into the cyclical nature of tech advancements and security measures:

"Blue sky feels very usable to me as like a feed of news because I've added all these things and because people are like, actively posting there in a way that Twitter did used to feel like." [35:52]

Challenges and Considerations

The discussion concludes with considerations on the practicality of breaching devices with robust security measures and the potential policy shifts that might ensue within law enforcement agencies to adapt to these technological changes.

2. The Big Bluesky Migration: Decentralization and Social Media Dynamics

Overview of the Migration

Shifting gears, the podcast transitions to discussing the recent mass migration of users from Twitter to Bluesky. Jason highlights the organic nature of this movement, driven by dissatisfaction with Twitter’s new ownership under Elon Musk and the political climate surrounding figures like Donald Trump.

User Experiences and Platform Dynamics

Sam shares his reluctance to engage with another social platform, emphasizing the fatigue that comes with constantly shifting between multiple networks:

"I'm so tired of thinking about, like, which social network is the right one to be on... It's like, another thing to check." [28:56]

Jason contrasts his initial skepticism with the recent surge in user activity on Bluesky, noting the significant increase in his follower count without proactive efforts:

"I got like 6,000 followers in two days over the weekend... it feels like there's a critical mass on this social media network for, like, maybe the first time." [26:05]

Comparative Analysis with Other Platforms

Emmanuel discusses the ease of transitioning to Bluesky, thanks to curated lists and starter packs that facilitate the migration process. He reflects on the evolving landscape of social media consumption, suggesting a shift towards more curated and meaningful engagements:

"I share my stories... If you email me, I'll email you back... but just like tweeting into the void, no, thank you." [30:15]

Jason elaborates on the fragmented nature of social media, contrasting Bluesky’s decentralized model with other right-leaning platforms like Truth Social and Gab. He expresses concerns over algorithm-driven engagement and the authenticity of user interactions on platforms owned by major conglomerates like Meta:

"Threads is owned by Mark Zuckerberg... It like spreads disinformation in the same way it, you know, it deprioritizes links." [37:14]

Future of Decentralized Social Media

The hosts speculate on the sustainability and impact of Bluesky in the broader social media ecosystem. They acknowledge its potential to offer a more genuine user experience, free from the algorithmic manipulation prevalent in platforms like Twitter and Threads.

"Blue sky can also be the good one... it's the same vibe in terms of portability and being part of, like, a broader Fediverse." [44:10]

RSS Feeds as an Alternative

Sam introduces the concept of using RSS feeds to navigate the noise inherent in modern social media, suggesting it as a tool for consuming information without the distraction of constant social interactions:

"I need to get off of these social media apps... I need to get out of the noise and into what's actually going on." [30:16]

Concluding Thoughts on Social Media's Evolution

The episode wraps up with reflections on the decentralization trend in social media, emphasizing the importance of platforms that prioritize user control and authentic interactions over corporate-driven algorithms and engagement metrics.

Key Takeaways

1. Apple’s Strategic Security Enhancements: Apple's introduction of the inactivity reboot feature underscores its commitment to safeguarding user data, albeit at the expense of complicating forensic investigations conducted by law enforcement.

2. Ongoing Tech-Law Enforcement Tension: The evolving capabilities of forensic tools juxtaposed with Apple's security measures highlight a perpetual cat-and-mouse dynamic between technology providers and law enforcement agencies.

3. Shift Towards Decentralized Social Media: The migration to Bluesky signifies a broader trend towards decentralized, user-controlled social platforms, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with traditional, algorithm-driven networks.

4. User Agency and Information Consumption: Embracing tools like RSS feeds illustrates a shift in user behavior towards more intentional and noise-free information consumption, seeking meaningful engagement over fleeting social interactions.

5. Future Implications for Policy and Technology: The developments discussed suggest potential shifts in both technological innovations and policy frameworks, influencing how data security and social media governance might evolve in the near future.

Notable Quotes:

• "Apple hasn't given a statement on this... I've spoken to three or four people about it who independently verified it." – Joseph [10:05]

• "Having a four-day timer in the iPhone to reboot... that is dramatic for sure." – Joseph [17:05]

• "Threads is owned by Mark Zuckerberg... It like spreads disinformation in the same way it, you know, it deprioritizes links." – Jason Kebler [37:14]

• "I need to get off of these social media apps... I need to get out of the noise and into what's actually going on." – Sam Cole [30:16]

This episode of The 404 Media Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersecting worlds of cybersecurity, law enforcement, and the evolving landscape of social media. Through in-depth discussions and expert insights, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how technological advancements shape and are shaped by societal forces.