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FBI Raid on Journalist Sparks Privacy Alarm Over Biometrics

1/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The federal raid on Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's home raised privacy concerns about smartphone biometrics.
The FBI's search warrant allowed Natanson to unlock her phone with biometrics without disclosing her setup.
Activists urge disabling biometrics in high-risk situations.
Andrew Crocker of the Electronic Frontier Foundation argues biometric locks should be treated like passwords under Fifth Amendment.
Natanson has not been charged in the investigation into government contractor Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones.

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Story summary

The federal raid on Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's home raised privacy concerns about smartphone biometrics.
The FBI's search warrant allowed Natanson to unlock her phone with biometrics without disclosing her setup.
Activists urge disabling biometrics in high-risk situations.
Andrew Crocker of the Electronic Frontier Foundation argues biometric locks should be treated like passwords under Fifth Amendment.
Natanson has not been charged in the investigation into government contractor Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones.