UAE expressed uneasiness over BlackBerry’s capabilities
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has warned suspension of BlackBerry access through internet from Oct. 11 if the UAE government could not get access to encrypted messages.
Dubai Police Chief Dhahi Khalfan Tamim said the United States in an interest to spy on the United Arab Emirates, is the primary beneficiary of having the access in BlackBerry’s controls.
“The West has accused us of curbing the liberties of BlackBerry users, while America, Israel, Britain and other countries are allowed access to all transferred data,” Tamim said.
In August, India government threatened to ban BlackBerry services as well if the government would not get a server installed in their country and made available for their access. Blackberry got a 60-day ban reprieve after RIM agreed to give India access.
These concerns over BlackBerry’s services are fears of making their countries vulnerable in terrorist attacks. BlackBerry’s capability to push encrypted email without being tracked and becomes too handy for business customers is perceived as a threat to national security.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are not comfortable either for having lack of access in such services which restricts their government as well to provide security against potential spies, assassins or Islamic militants.
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