Will India shut down the Blackberry? Research in Motion is again negotiating with a foreign country to keep its Blackberry up and running. The issue is the encryptions that the Canadian based country has on all e-mails and IM’s. In this day and age of increased vigilance against terrorist activities, the encrypted messages make it impossible to monitor e-mails and instant messaging. That is of great concern to intelligence agencies around the globe.
RIM made a deal with the United States to have servers that handle Blackberry traffic there in such a way that is internal security friendly. Elsewhere Blackberry communications are handled and encrypted by RIM servers in Canada and other countries. But once the deal was cut with the US, other countries have jumped on the bandwagon.
RIM just recently came to terms with the Saudi Arabia to insure that service will continue in that country. European countries are also concerned about the encryption and are reportedly in various stages of discussion with RIM. India has set a date of August 31, 2010 to resolve their security concerns. If there are no terms reached, Blackberry service will not be available after this time.
India and RIM will most likely come to an agreement before service is discontinued. The affect on the business community would be far reaching and disastrous for both parties. There are a little over 1 million Blackberry users in India and it is one of the fastest growing segments for RIM. Neither party wants service to end.
RIM is walking a precarious tight rope. Part of its appeal is its top of the line, tight security. Individual governmental demands are slowly chipping away at that security which companies absolutely demand. Proprietary information needs to be protected as well as national security. RIM so far has managed to do an excellent job of keeping everyone happy.
If you are using your Blackberry to work on your website, post SEO related articles, or even log into your website to do search engine optimization, you need to keep an eye on this topic. It could effect your ability to work from almost anywhere with the Blackberry.
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Quite right – SEO before web design. You need to get the punters to your site before you can impress them with the look and usability!
ReplyDeleteIt’s not just Blackberry either, India have been threatening Skype and Google Android too!
ReplyDeleteSorry, commented on wrong post! See http://seoexpertsaus.blogspot.com/2010/08/chicken-or-egg-dilema-for-seo-experts.html
ReplyDeleteTough one isn't it? like you said, neither party wants Blackberry to end its service, it won't be good for either of them. No idea how this one will resolve itself, some kind of compromise like always I suppose
ReplyDeleteCan't see it myself, India turning down millions of dollars and better communication for the sake of a bit of secrecy...
ReplyDelete"Will India Shut Down the Blackberry?" Simple answer - no. It's too much of a money spinner for them.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with the comments above. If Blackberry really won’t let the government in they have no choice but to shut them down – they’re not going to let a mobile company operate with more intelligence than them!
ReplyDeleteGood point Mr. Brooking. As cynical as everyone seems to be, national security and people's safety comes above making money, even in India!
ReplyDeleteInteresting update on the BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11102314
ReplyDeleteAnother update today: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11131330
ReplyDeleteBBC have also got an article about how they may go after Google and Skype next: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11137647
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brooking/Sachin - they won't keep their intelligence agency in the dark just to make a few dollars. It'll be interesting to see how this one plays out
ReplyDeleteWill look here for updates when Indias deadline runs out. Thanks for the link
ReplyDeleteI think Brooking, Paul, Sachin etc. have too high expectations of government organisations. Money above everything else!
ReplyDeleteWhat information do RIM have that the Indian government need? If they have information on me that's of national importance, I want to know what it is. Maybe I can use it to chat up someone...
ReplyDeleteNo, India will not shut down the Blackberry, Skype, Google or anything else - because it would be technological suicide if they did.
ReplyDeleteCOULD India shut down the Blackberry - that's the question!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mena Jerome? Is it capable? Of course it is - they have all the infrastructure!
ReplyDeleteExactly Ash. India hold all the cards here, I don't know why they're delaying...
ReplyDeleteWill Blackberry shut down India – that’s the real question
ReplyDeleteWhat does that even mean Anon?
ReplyDelete