Saudi Says RIM Deal Reached; BlackBerry OK, If We Can Read the Messages

crimeandpunishment writes "There's a deal on the table to avert a ban on Blackberry's messenger service in Saudi Arabia. A Saudi regulatory official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press the deal involves placing a server in Saudi Arabia ... and letting the government monitor users' messages, easing Saudi concerns over security and criminal usage. The deal could have wide-ranging implications, given how many other countries have expressed similar concerns, or in the case of the United Arab Emirates, have threatened to block Blackberry email and messaging services." Perhaps the governments of UAE and India would be satisfied, too, if only they had access to the messages transmitted.

Comments

Re:they are a business, why should they care?

[OeLeWaPpErKe]

Yeah, I mean terrorism has increased massively over the years (and even 2010 has much more than 2009), but given how quickly the spineless give in, it's actually amazing it hasn't increased faster. And more and more people keep saying to just give them what they want, since terrorists, whether muslim, tamil, lefties, or even right-wing terrorists (not many of those around, but not zero either).

You see, terrorists are the real victims here, don't you understand ? Like saudi arabia.

Re:I agree but it's unlikely to happen

[PopeRatzo]

Perhaps you mean violentcrime?

Wait, I thought the whole "invasion on the Arizona border" was about violent crime. You mean we're sending National Guard and building an electronic fence and using drones to stop jaywalking?

I think their main concern is the impact on the economy and social services, and not just on direct crime.

No, their main concern is brown people are gonna take all the good busboy jobs. Next thing you know, they'll be dating their daughters!

Re:...and RIM capitulates.

[Zerth]

And yet, I own a blackberry that keeps popping up Verizon crapware that didn't exist when I bought it.