Govt seeks more time to find solution to BlackBerry

The government today said its consultations with BlackBerry service provider Research in Motion (RIM) for lawful interception of the company's services was on and more time was required to find a solution.

Minister of State for Home Ajay Maken said the RIM has assured the government that they will provide the final solution for lawful interception of BlackBerry Messenger services by January 31, 2011.

"With respect to security solutions for the BlackBerry Enterprises Services, mutual consultations are on between the RIM and the government and as such more time is required to achieve a closure," he informed Rajya Sabha in a written reply

The Department of Telecommunications had directed all service providers not to offer BlackBerry email and mobile messenger services unless the required monitoring system to the satisfaction of the security agencies are in place.

The telecom service providers have upgraded their network and the solution offered is being tested by the law enforcement agencies for which the time limit has been extended till December 31.

Following discussions with RIM, voice, SMS and individual email were made available to security agencies in readable format.

Maken said in case no solution is provided then these services may be blocked as per the relevant clauses of the license in the interest of national security.