We all know BlackBerry devices are known for their security, especially in the corporate environments. But a new article coming from the CBC in Canada is laying claim to the fact more and more criminals are using BlackBerry devices to help in their illegal activities by utilizing the offerings of BlackBerry Enterprise Servers. The article states that BlackBerry devices and how they function "limits their (law enforcement) abilities to intercept, which in turn minimizes our abilities to prevent the crimes," and also claims the criminals "completely know that this technology is to their advantage," and therefore will use it until something even more secure comes along.
With those concerns being noted, Canadian Liberal MP Marlene Jennings has brought light back to a bill that would force wireless service providers to make their devices intercept-ready. Said bill aptly named, the Modernization of Investigative Techniques Act (MITA) had been overlooked back in 2005 and reintroduced in 2007. Ms. Jennings states "Law enforcement needs it, Canadians need it; it's an essential tool for the battle against crime." It makes me wonder how many criminals are running a BES, next thing ya know RIM will be sued as co-conspirators or something.
This bill won't come to passing easy says University of Ottawa law professor Micheal Giest, stating that "There's obviously many businesses that are willing to use these
devices because they're comfortable with the security attached to them," and that being the case "Many individuals, as well, I think, would be reluctant to use mobile
email devices if there was concern that third parties might be able to
access it." In any event, no matter how it goes warrants would still be needed to get personal info. So what do ya say folks, should the authorities have the right to wiretap anything they want such as BES if it means less crime or should such things be off limits?
[ CBC ]
