A California judge ruled that Apple must help federal investigators break into the iPhone of one of the San Bernardino shooters.

The U.S. Attorney's Office believes the phone used by Syed Farook contains "relevant, critical ... data," but that information has remained out of reach for investigators because of the phone's encryption.

Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, murdered 14 people in San Bernardino, California, on Dec. 2. Both were killed later during a shootout with police.

Prosecutors say "Apple has the exclusive technical means which would assist the government in completing its search, but has declined to provide that assistance voluntarily." The judge agreed and ruled the tech giant must provide "reasonable technical assistance."

Privacy advocates have heavily criticized the practice of compelling technology companies to bypass secured devices. And it might be a moot point anyway; Apple says new security features in iOS 8 prevent even the Silicon Valley company from accessing a locked phone.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com