BlackBerry to address govt's security concerns

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[July 29, 2010]

BlackBerry to address govt's security concerns

MUMBAI, Jul 30, 2010 (Khaleej Times - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- BlackBerry services in India are unlikely to be stopped as Research In Motion (RIM), the Canadian firm providing the service, has assured the government that its security concerns would be addressed soon.

The Indian government has been insisting that RIM set up a proxy server in India to enable its security agencies unhindered access to emails, SMS and telephone calls made from BlackBerry handsets. There are about a million BlackBerry subscribers in the country.

The Indian government has cracked down on telecommunication service providers and gear-makers, demanding access to their servers and other systems, to track down terrorists who have been using the telecom networks.

Special secretary (internal security) U.K. Bansal confirmed on Thursday that the government had been assured by RIM that its security concerns would be addressed soon and that BlackBerry services would not be banned. The Indian government had about two years ago demanded access to RIM's servers. The Canadian company had initially resisted the moves, but later agreed to provide its encryption code to Indian security agencies. However, the officials have no direct access to the RIM server, which is based in Canada, resulting in delays while accessing data.

India decided to put pressure on RIM after it came to know that the company was willing to set up a server in China to address its security concerns. RIM also has servers in other countries including the US. Authorities in the UAE are also demanding similar access to RIM's servers.

The Indian home ministry tightened up the rules relating to telecom players after the 26/11 terrorist attacks on Mumbai; the 10 terrorists were getting instructions on their mobiles by their Pakistan-based handlers using satellite phones. Similarly, in Jammu & Kashmir, many terrorists have been using satellite phones and even the local networks in the state.

A spokesman for RIM said that the company does not disclose details of negotiations with governments. However a statement from the company said that it would make every effort to continue its services, which is "widely accepted" by the governments of 175 around the world.

"RIM respects both the regulatory requirements of government and the security and privacy needs of corporations and consumers," the statement said. "RIM assures its customers that it is committed to continue delivering highly secure and innovative products that satisfies the needs of both customers and governments." On Wednesday, the government came out with tough new rules relating to telecom equipment vendors. International equipment makers will have to provide source codes and the design of all their products in encrypted form; security agencies and the operators will have full access to these codes.

The government is worried that some of the telecom equipment might come embedded with spyware.

nithin@khaleejtimes.com To see more of the Khaleej Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.khaleejtimes.com. Copyright (c) 2010, Khaleej Times, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail services@mctinfoservices.com, or call 866-280-5210 (outside the United States, call +1 312-222-4544).

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