[jmackinn]

If the information was in his head and not on a thumb drive then yes, but it was on a piece of physical evidence, therefore the password is the same as a key to a storage locker or the combo of a safe. Refusal to provide either will result in a charge of contempt, exactly what happened in this case.

[exo762]

Nope. This is my knowledge and my words. You can have any number of "metaphor" you want, but direct, literally, word by word, meaning of legislature trumps all metaphors.

Information - the password, is in his head.