After several rounds of discussion, the long-standing dispute between BlackBerry and the Indian government over interception of data on its devices has ended.
As per news reports, the system facilitating lawful interception of BlackBerry services is in place. This will enable the country’s law enforcement agencies to monitor e-mails and web browsing facilities on BlackBerry devices on a real time basis.
Next, the government will reportedly sign an agreement with the company and acquire its Mumbai-based monitoring architecture. The company will also impart training to government officials at its facility in Ontario, pertaining to the technical architecture, operation and maintenance of the monitoring facility. It has offered to train up to five officials.
This is the second round of tests carried out by the handset vendor for the Indian government. In December 2012, the company had demonstrated a solution, which was rejected, as the interception of web-browsing facilities was not legible. Moreover, the government had requested the company for a solution permitting the interception of BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) and e-mails.
Prior to this, the Indian government had requested the handset maker for access to its corporate e-mail service, delivered on the BlackBerry Enterprise Server.
Thereafter, the vendor had reportedly provided a solution that enabled telecom operators to lawfully intercept consumer messaging services, such as BBM and BlackBerry Internet Service email. As per the Department of Telecommunications, nine of 10 operators providing BlackBerry services were in the process of deploying this interception solution.
