United Arab Emirates Deem Blackberry as a Security Risk

So it appears that RIM’s outstanding history of providing a very reliable and secure platform is being questioned. The United Arab Emirates has stated that they want access to RIM encryptions between the servers and mobile devices so that they can monitor the information being exchanged. The UAE has stated the RIM’s encryption poses a “national security risk”.

The region’s telecoms regulator said “BlackBerry operates beyond the jurisdiction of national legislation” as is stores its data offshore.

It said it was concerned that misuse may have “serious social, judicial and national security repercussions”.

Critics branded the moves as “repressive”.

The media freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders told BBC News that while the UAE was playing a “technological leadership role in the Arab world” this was backed by “repressive laws” and a “general trend of intensified surveillance”.

“Last April, the daily Emarat al Yaoum reported on an interior ministry plan to check the identity of anyone using the internet in public places,” said the organisation’s Lucie Morillon.

Many mobile phones are already monitored, she said.

The one main concern that this brings up is that if the encryption is opened to the authorities it means that there is a potential for others to access it illegally.
While we understand the nations policies and laws must be maintained the issue affects others around the world, and therefore should be looked at very closely by RIM prior to agreeing to the UAE’s demands.

Please let us know what you think about this by dropping a comment or swinging by the Nerdberry.net Forums and voice your opinion.

Source: Blackberry Rocks

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