May 23, 2018

FBI has repeatedly over-counted volume of encrypted-phone threats

FBI Director Christopher Wray. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

FBI officials, including Director Christopher Wray, have repeatedly stated that investigators have been locked out of almost 7,800 encrypted cellphones connected to crimes, the Washington Post reports — the real number is closer to 1,000-2,000.

Why it matters: The FBI has used the enlarged statistic as an argument against "Going Dark," which is "the spread of encrypted software that can block investigators' access to digital data," even if it's legally allowed, WaPo reports. This was a major problem after the San Bernardino shooting when investigators were unable to access the gunman's phone.

The details: The FBI attributed the miscount to "programming errors" that "resulted in significant over-counting." The true number is an estimated 1,200, but the new audit could "take weeks to complete."

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Axios

Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Global: Total confirmed cases as of 12 p.m. ET: 10,920,457 — Total deaths: 522,385 — Total recoveries — 5,789,032 — Map.
U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 12 p.m. ET: 2,753,754 — Total deaths: 128,871 — Total recoveries: 781,970 — Total tested: 33,462,181 — Map.
Public health: The states where face coverings are mandatory — Fauci says it has been a "very disturbing week" for the spread of the coronavirus in the U.S.
Business: Top business leaders urge the White House to develop mandatory mask guidelines.
Economy: The economy may recover just quickly enough to kill political interest in more stimulus.
States: Florida reports more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases, and its most-infected county issues curfew.

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Rashaan Ayesh

3 hours ago - Sports

Washington Redskins to review team name amid public pressure

Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

The Washington Redskins have announced they will be conducting a review of the team's name after mounting pressure from the public and corporate sponsors.

Why it matters: This review is the first formal step the Redskins are taking since the debate surrounding the name first began. It comes after weeks of discussions between the team and the NFL, the team said.

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Dan Primack

4 hours ago - Economy & Business

Scoop: Instacart raises another $100 million

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios Visuals

Grocery delivery company Instacart has raised $100 million in new funding, on top of the $225 million it announced last month, the company tells Axios. This brings its valuation to $13.8 billion.

Why it matters: This funding comes at what could be an inflection point for Instacart, as customers it acquired during coronavirus lockdowns decide whether they want to continue with the service or resume in-person grocery shopping.