Legislation working its way through the Senate Intelligence Committee would force technology companies to design and manufacture smartphones, computers and software accessible to government. Apple, Microsoft, Google and other corporations would be required to provide back door keys and encryption workarounds if the bill becomes law.

The Compliance with Court Orders Act requires "the provision of data in an intelligible format to a government pursuant to a court order, and for other purposes." The bill does not define "other purposes."

"Consumers have a right to seek solutions that protect their information," Committee Chairman Richard Burr said in a statement. "I do not believe, however, that those solutions should be above the law."