Business | Technology
Users in UAE puzzled by BlackBerry 'threat'
Security experts query why the TRA has singled out one device among several in the UAE
- By Scott Shuey, Business Features Editor
- Published: 00:00 July 28, 2010
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i believe when it comes up to National Security TRA has all the rights to take any upfront decision that will tighten up things. Crime has to fought back
Mikhail, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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TRA has a legitimate argument for concern. The BBM service could be used by those wishing to avoid detection and Ferguson is also right to point out that many iPhone and Android apps would also impose a similar problem, but in limited capacity due a smaller market exposure. Whereas due to the larger scale use of the Blackberry poses a larger problem. All in all though, if there were persons who are trying to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies, many other resources exist that would allow them to communicate and transmit information through advanced encryption which I believe is where the most serious and controversial problem lies for law enforcement agencies as these tools are becoming easier to use and also used by legitimate institutions to protect their proprietary information.
Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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It simply does not make sense on why the TRA is so concerned about Blackberry Messenger. Blackberry phones do export their data to Canada where Blackberry could reach out to customers in personalized approach. TRA was earlier accused by Blackberry for sending updates that were used for surveillance purposes. I feel that everyone has a right to privacy and this should not be exploited by Blackberry or TRA alike.
Anonymous, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Dubai: Security experts in the UAE are still puzzled over Sunday's TRA press release claiming BlackBerry's messenger service is a threat to "social, judicial and national security".
The TRA's statement also said that "BlackBerry ... is the only device operating in the UAE that immediately exports its data offshore and is managed by a foreign, commercial organisation."
Rik Ferguson, a security expert for TrendMicro, one of the world's largest computer security companies, said that a number of other mobile devices including the Apple iPhone and Google's Android mobile operating system, both of which are widely used in the UAE, had applications and services that ran on networks similar to that used by Research in Motion, which makes the BlackBerry handset.
"It seems strangely specific," he said.
Ferguson also pointed out that BlackBerry's services were primarily used by businessmen.
"It's very odd that they would focus on one device, especially one that focuses on enterprise usage," he said. Ferguson, who is based in the UK, said he had not heard of any complaints about BlackBerry's service when it came to national security.
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Neil Batstone, a business development manager for Verizon in Dubai, also said he had not heard of any previous complaints about BlackBerry's services, but said businesses who offered such services need to protect their user's privacy.
"Clearly, organisations have a duty to protect business information and employee's data," he said.
Batstone also said he recognised the difficulties law enforcement agencies faced when working with foreign-based companies, a growing trend thanks to the internet.
He added that companies also had a duty to adhere to local laws, but he said it was a balancing act.
Untraceable
Ferguson, recognising the needs of police and other agencies to fight crime, said that most criminals looking to avoid detection were extremely apt at hiding their tracks. "They're pretty much untraceable," he said.
Ferguson said that law enforcement needed to find new ways to overcome the growing technical issues the internet posed.
"It's going to make forensic investigation much more difficult," he said.
Research in Motion declined to comment.
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