Watch CBS News

Daily Talker: Apple Demands Court Order For Widow To Get Husband's Password

A battle over privacy: Apple told a widow in Canada that she needed a court order to get her dead husband's password.

Seventy-two-year-old Peggy Bush told a Canadian TV station that she had no problems getting her husband's pension and benefits, but that it was ridiculous she couldn't get his password to use their iPad.

Her daughter contacted Apple to ask if they could retrieve the password or reset the account. They provided the iPad and computer's serial numbers, her father's will and even his death certificate. Still, that wasn't enough. Apple said it was following the company's privacy policy and she would need a court order.

A Canadian TV station stepped in and contacted the company. Only after that did Apple reach out to the Bush family to help and apologize for what it called a "misunderstanding."

One estate lawyer says this is a growing issue. Although we own most of what we do online, access is controlled by providers like Apple. He says wills should include how to deal with digital assets and where to find passwords – but not the passwords themselves.

What do you think about this?

Leave your comments below, or on Facebook or Twitter using #WBZTalker.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.