The All Writs Act of 1789 is described as...

• A. Authorizes courts to compel third party organizations (Apple, Google) to assist in the execution of a court order. FBI argues that even though the law is old, it still applies.
• B. Sets data retention requirements
• C. Prohibits third-party assistance
• D. Defines cybercrime offenses

Answer: (A)

The All Writs Act gives courts power to issue writs that aid their jurisdiction, which can include compelling a third party that holds data or tools to help carry out a court order. In practice this has been used to require companies to assist in enforcing judicial commands, such as providing access to information or devices. That’s why describing it as authorizing courts to compel third party organizations to assist in the execution of a court order best captures its function, and why the FBI arguing it still applies fits. The other statements don’t match what the Act does: it isn’t a data retention rule, it doesn’t prohibit third-party assistance, and it isn’t about defining cybercrime offenses.