Monday, August 2, 2010

Blackberry blackout in the Middle East

The U.A.E. will restrict access by Blackberry subscribers to network services. Even visitors to the Emirates will be subject to the blackout. Approximately 100,000 travelers transit through Dubai alone on a daily basis. Other governments in the region are contemplating similar action. This restriction will take effect on October 11, 2010 and will impact at least 500,000 local subscribers.

The government of the U.A.E. contends that some Blackberry features operate "outside the country's laws causing judicial, social and national security concerns". Translation: The encrypted data routed through Blackberry servers makes it difficult to monitor traffic on the networks.

So is this the tip of the iceberg? Will other smart phones be next? Will other governments in the region implement their own restrictions?

Such restrictions will be a setback for Dubai and other Emirates that are hoping to draw more business and tourism.

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