Why BlackBerry was Banned In Many Countries?

Based in Canada, RIM has been under fire by several foreign governments over complaints that the BlackBerry network is too secure, preventing them from monitoring--or some would say spying on--customer data in the name of national security. In response, RIM has stated that the information on its network is encrypted and that no one, not even the company itself, can access it or disclose the encryption key.Many countries monitor communications within their borders; in fact the Blackberry 'loophole' is very much an exception to the rule. In some countries every text message, email and internet search made by a user can be accessed by government agencies if required.

Experts point out that countries in the Middle East are not alone in seeking access to Blackberry's data, and say that other governments appear to have been allowed to monitor Blackberry communications in a bid to secure access to lucrative markets.

How a BlackBerry Works?

Lets look at the way how a BlackBerry exchanges information first. The following diagram depicts BlackBerry exchanging voice, email, messaging and other application data with the servers.

Unlike the Apple/Nokia mobiles who uses open standards, BlackBerry uses a highly secured and proprietary data transmission mechanism. Every piece of information that leaves a BlackBerry phone is encrypted and it can only be decrypted by the BlackBerry network data center in Canada. This means that no one can actually understand the encrypted message that travel through the wireless networks and internet.

BlackBerry’s Encryption – Head Ache for Governments

BlackBerry communications are highly secured and they are used by military and government agencies for their communication. Even the president of United States, Mr. Obama uses a BlackBerry for his email communication.

As there is no way for the Government Agencies to intercept the communication that happens through BlackBerry devices, they are considering this as a threat to their national security. In fact it is! For example anti-national elements can communicate with each other over a BlackBerry network without allowing any security agencies to intercept the communication. Not a good thing for security agencies ha!

To get out of this issue, RIM, the manufacturer of BlackBerry mobiles, should find a way to allow every country to intercept it’s users communication that happens through BlackBerry’s. Otherwise, more and more countries may consider banning BlackBerrys.