India may ban BlackBerry services temporarily

The Indian government is likely to temporarily stop BlackBerry services in the country if Research In Motion (RIM), the maker of the BlackBerry smartphone does not address New Delhi's security concerns.

The home ministry has called a meeting of mobile operators on Thursday to issue a temporary ban on BlackBerry services in the country if RIM does not share encryption details by a deadline that will be set during the meeting, according to government sources.

Indian security officials last month warned the Canadian RIM that it would have to cease operations in the country if it failed to adequately address security concerns over BlackBerry's encrypted data that can be misused by terror groups and cannot be monitored by security agencies. (See: India tells BlackBerry maker RIM to address security issues or close shop) 

During the November 2009 terrorist attack in Mumbai, the terrorists had used smart communication devices to be in touch with their handlers overseas, which spurred the Indian intelligence agencies to pressure RIM to allow them to monitor BlackBerry messenger services.

But RIM has been constantly dodging the Indian government since March 2008 in resolving security concerns posed by BlackBerry  (See: BlackBerry phone services may get stuck over security concerns), which has held several meetings with operators during 2008 asking them to work in tandem with RIM to ensure a full-proof security system for the service in India. (See: Blackberry service providers in India asked to ensure security measures) 

In fact, the then telecom minister A Raja had said that security of nation was of paramount concern and this would not be sacrificed at any cost even if it means ending BlackBerry services in India.