tech
January 25, 2026
Microsoft handed the government encryption keys for customer data
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TL;DR
- The FBI obtained encryption keys from Microsoft via a warrant for an investigation into COVID unemployment fraud in Guam.
- Microsoft confirmed it provides BitLocker recovery keys when presented with a valid legal order.
- This contrasts with previous high-profile cases where tech companies resisted government demands for encryption keys.
- Privacy advocates like the ACLU express concern about the precedent set and potential for abuse by both domestic and foreign governments.
- Microsoft notes customers can choose to store keys locally to mitigate risks, but cloud storage offers recovery convenience.