The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and Research In Motion (RIM), maker of the BlackBerry smartphone, have together ensured that the business community and residents of the UAE continue to have access to its services.
TRA has confirmed that BlackBerry services are now compliant with the UAE's telecommunications regulatory framework and that they will continue to operate as normal and no suspension of service will occur on October 11. It was feared that the TRA would have to ban BlackBerry services because of security concerns.
Some BlackBerry services provide encrypted communications that could be abused by those involved in criminal or other activities. This was a potential danger to the country and its residents that could not be left unattended by the authorities.
In its statement, TRA also acknowledged "the positive engagement and collaboration of RIM in reaching this regulatory compliant outcome". This shows that, where necessary, government and private companies can work together for the good of all.
While the privacy of residents must at all times be respected, the government has the responsibility to ensure the safety of the country and its people. In cases where there is reasonable suspicion, and after following due process, the authorities must be able to monitor communications to prevent criminal activities and collect evidence.
The limitation of the right to privacy to ensure the safety and security of a whole community is accepted internationally. RIM is in talks with many other governments who also have security concerns related to some of its services.
The agreement in the UAE will come as a relief to the many professionals for whom the BlackBerry devices serve as a virtual office and those who use it as a means of staying in touch with friends and family. Many have indicated that they understand the view of the authorities and have no concerns about continuing to use BlackBerry services.
