Telecom security: Nokia installs servers in India

New Delhi: In a significant move cell phone manufacturer Nokia announced installation of servers in India which would allow security agencies to intercept email and messenger services provided by it. The move, apart from conforming to freshly issued requirements of Indian regulators, also compels competitor RIM BlackBerry to make similar arrangements.

RIM has tried its best to stall moves by Indian authorities to regulate its traffic but has had to back off after finding them unwilling to compromise on this issue.

Earlier this year, when cornered by Indian authorities about the lack of access it provided to local security agencies to access its email and messenger services, RIM had reluctantly agreed to provide access and had argued that other service providers should also be asked to provide similar concessions. Nokia, a dominant player in the Indian and global markets, has now complied.

A Nokia statement said its India vice president and MD, D Shivakumar, called on Indian home secretary GK Pillai on Thursday and handed over a letter which said that the company had met all requirements as asked for by law enforcement agencies.

The company has also assured its customers that their privacy would be protected, even as the company fulfils its public responsibility and legal obligations.

"As a responsible corporate citizen, we follow all local laws and regulations that are required by the government authorities," it added.