Apple Building Portal For Law Enforcement Data Requests

Route Fifty: Around this time of the year, Apple is usually announcing its latest mobile devices. But this week, the company announced a tool geared specifically toward police.

On Tuesday, Apple sent a letter to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D- R.I. detailing some of the new tools it is developing for law enforcement to use, CNET reports.

This includes a new portal where law enforcement officials will be able to submit and track requests for data. Officials will first have to obtain "authentication credentials" before using the portal, which should be operational by the end of 2018. Apple also says it plans to develop an online training module for law enforcement officers, designed to match the in-person training the company currently offers.

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