Emirates block up part of functions of BlackBerry
Edited by Yuzhesoft, Aug. 3, 2010
United Arab Emirates authorities claimed on Sunday that they will block up part of the functions of BlackBerry, including e-mails, messages and web browser. Saudi Arabia may follow this action. (Associated Press reported on August 2)
Emirate authorities say the action is based on security concerns because BlackBerry data are automatically shipped to company computers abroad, which is difficult for local authorities to monitor for illegal activity or abuse. This action will be adopted in October. And an official on condition of anonymity said Saudi Arabia will follow this action at the end of August.
Currently, whether roaming service is banned is unsure. And this action will concern about 100,000 travelers at the busiest airport. The regulator of Emirates said the service suspension would apply to all users in the country, including visitors. Emirate authorities say the ban only aims at BlackBerry rather than iphone and other smart phones of Nokia.
The regulator of Emirates said in a statement they tried to negotiate with RIM (Canadian producer of BlackBerry), but failed. Mohamed Gani, the Telecommunications Authority of Emirate, said this ban would be valid until RIM could provide a solution which must guarantee the public interests.