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Comey: FBI Wants "Adult Conversation' On Device Encryption

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WASHINGTON (CBSMiami/AP) — FBI Director James Comey warned the public about the bureau's lack of access to digital devices due to encryption.

In a speech Tuesday, Comey said default encryption built into smartphones is "making more and more of the room that we are charged to investigate dark."

He said the FBI is working to collect information on the issue so that "next year we can have an adult conversation in this country."

He said that while Americans have a reasonable expectation of privacy in houses, cars and electronic devices, law enforcement officials can "invade our private spaces" with legal approval. Comey said that "bargain" has been part of the country since its founding.

Comey spoke at a symposium organized by Symantec, a software technology company.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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