Yesterday, RIM and Indian officials met to discuss the governments' security concerns that email sent via a BlackBerry device can't be traced or intercepted.
From all of the news reports I've read thus far, it looks like there is no news of a resolution. But I'm not surprised. RIM appears to be standing firm on their stance that no 'master key' is available to decrypt messages sent from a BlackBerry device. It appears as though this is an unacceptable answer for the Indian government, and my guess is the 'pressure machine' has been turned on to see if they can squeeze out a resolution somehow.
The Indian government is extremely scared of attacks from militants and terrorists, and they see the BlackBerry as a potential security risk that they need to monitor. While they're at it, why don't they monitor all incoming and outgoing phone calls as well? Or perhaps talking is the problem. Maybe the government should tape everyone's mouth shut so that it would be harder to communicate? Oh, wait... then they could just use the BlackBerry to communicate their ideas.
This is getting silly.
I can only hope the 2 parties come to a reasonable solution in the near future. This 'saga' has been going on for months and months now and it's time to put it to bed. I'll stay on top of this one as always and keep you posted on any developments.
**** Update! ****
RIM has apparently been offered an ultimatum from the Indian Government. Either provide a 'master key' or BlackBerry service will be discontinued within the country. RIM has also been notified that their Thursday meeting will have been the last, unless they can provide a way to meet their demands. If RIM stands firm as they have been, this could be the end of BlackBerry service in India. Click here to read the full story >
[ via Reuters ]
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13 comments
This is becoming SUCH a soap opera. I think I'm going to be sad when this all gets resolved, as I'm beginning to enjoy reading all this back and forth drama. :)
James has it right. Bring in Leonard Nimoy to moderate the solution. Long live and prosper.
Why would a company that has set the standard on secure encrypted email give a foreign government the keys to the system. That would likely put RIM out of business as every user would have to worry about being spied on. The US would gladly follow India on th is and then what.
Do they honestly think BB's are the only way these potential threats use. Maybe they should look inward for a solution and not blame a company that is not the root cause of their problems.
Remove blackberry service from the country of India. close down that sector and let everyone including Government officials use pony express. Simple as that.
Remove blackberry service from the country of India. close down that sector and let everyone including Government officials use pony express. Simple as that.
The state of personal privacy in India is in direct conflict with that of RIM - there is no privacy there. Period. India has a problem taking no for an answer. When RIM says, "OK, no BlackBerry for you", watch India turn into the spurned psycho ex-girlfriend.
I say frack em! If they don't want the service, happy trails with a regular phone. RIM needs to grow a set and stick to their guns. GPS disabling last year, Indian email peering this year, what's next? Get out of India RIM, it would be a berry berry good move for you. :pun intended:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Telecom/Open_c...
according to the link above, India has over 114,000 BlackBerry customers among five operators—Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar, Idea Cellular, BPL and Reliance Communications. 114,000 that all, I would cut my losses and move on.
If RIM does allow India in, they will immediately lose my business, not to mention my entire company since the entire system will be compromised, and BB would no longer be considered secure.
India needs to back down if they want to play with the Western countries.
RIM, India is not your core, do not allow them ANY access. The damage to your bottom line will be far greater if you cave than if you stand up to a bully.
Poor Rim's caught in a bind...India along with China is the fastest growing cellphone market and though there are around 114,000 BB users currently, the number is going up by leaps and bounds...Currently no cellphone maker can afford to ignore India...Ask Vodafone which paid a huge premium to buy out Hutch in India and AT&T and Duestche Telecom(T Mobile) who are still trying desperately to get an entry...So even though I dont support a compromise of an user's privacy, I understand Rim's situation...
i call shanagans in india besides alquda n all thos ote fanatical terrorist groups can barly afford it let alon nigerina rebels not as many people falling fo the 419 an ire fraude scams
Shoot itself in the foot. They are sadly mistaken in their request anyway. Sometimes the process of growing into a mature (free) country is painful...
Thank God I dont live in India, thats all I have to say.