With the approaching deadline to offer a complete solution for monitoring of its contents by January 31, BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) has offered lawful interception in its security architecture through cloud computing from Indian operators.
Cloud computing is an Internet-based service, whereby shared servers provide software and data to computers and other devices on demand. RIM infrastructure is ready to receive and process through the cloud computing-based system, lawfully intercepted BlackBerry Messenger data from Indian service providers, the Canada-based firm said in a letter to the government.
Earlier, RIM had assured the government that they would provide the ‘final solution’ for the lawful interception of BlackBerry Messenger services by January 31. The company has said this was the understanding that they were to put in place the system by January 31.
According to sources in the know, the ministry of home affairs has asked the Intelligence Bureau to validate the technology (cloud computing) being offered by RIM. BlackBerry has over one million subscribers in India, one of the fastest growing markets in the world in terms of subscriber additions.
The Canada-based company made it clear that its security systems are still cutting-edge by saying, “RIM maintains a consistent global standard for lawful access requirements that does not include special deals for specific countries.”
Last year, RIM had assured the government it would provide a final solution for lawful interception of BlackBerry Messenger services by January.
With regard to Blackberry’s Enterprise mail service, however, it had asserted that the company had no ability to provide customers’ encryption keys.
With respect to the same issue, Robert E Crow, vice-president, industry, government and university relations, RIM, had met Home Minister P Chidambaram and explained the status of its project.
The company had asserted there was “no change” in its security architecture and sought to dispel talks of its ban in India as mere rumours.
The rumours around BlackBerry services stem from the fact that the Indian government had earlier asked Blackberry to provide complete access or face a ban.
