US law enforcement has forced an Apple iPhone X user to unlock their device with their face as part of an investigation.

While law enforcement in the US can force a suspect to unlock their Apple device via Touch ID, this is believed to be the first recorded incident in which law enforcement in any country has used a search warrant to force a mobile device owner to bypass the facial recognition technology.

A Forbes investigation revealed that on August 10, a 28-year old's home was searched by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the grounds of a case into potential child abuse.

Law enforcement, search warrant in hand, then demanded that the man unlock his iPhone X which was protected by Face ID. The individual complied, which gave the FBI access to his media, communications, and more.