President Obama wants help from tech firms to fight terrorism

President Barack Obama is seeking the help of tech companies to combat terror threats, which he described as entering a new phase.

Obama's remarks could put into sharp focus again the demand by law enforcement agencies for tech companies to provide ways for the government to be able to access encrypted communications. In an address from the Oval Office, President Obama said he "would urge hi-tech and law enforcement leaders to make it harder for terrorists to use technology to escape from justice." As the Internet erases the distance between countries, "we see growing efforts by terrorists to poison the minds of people," he said. The President did not, however, provide details of how the administration planned to work with the tech industry on combating terrorism. Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey has previously asked for a "robust debate" on encryption of communications, saying that the technology could come in the way of his doing his job to keep people safe.