Google can remotely access 74% of Android devices

PanARMENIAN.Net - Google could apparently access 74% of Android devices remotely if a court order demanded it, Digital Spy reports.

A document from the New York District Attorney's Office has leaked onto Reddit, revealing that the web giant has the ability to bypass lock codes on devices running anything earlier than Android 5.0.

Apple has similar capabilities, but can only access devices running operating systems that predate iOS 8, which is only around 8% of its user base.

Both Google and Apple added full-disk encryption to more recent versions of their operating systems to prevent remote access, something that the authorities are not thrilled about.

"Apple's and Google's decisions to enable full-disk encryption by default on smartphones means that law enforcement officials can no longer access evidence of crimes stored on smartphones, even though the officials have a search warrant issued by a neutral judge," the document reads.

The DA's Office is aiming to push through a bill forcing tech companies to put measures in place that grant them access to all of their mobile devices if court ordered.