BlackBerry Re-announces its Exit from Pakistan Due to Government’s Data Monitoring Demand
Finally, BlackBerry, the Canadian company, has announced its exit from Pakistan due to Pakistan’s Government demand to access and monitor the user data.
Also Read: Govt in Process to Negotiate with BlackBerry to Keep its Presence in Pakistan
The spokesperson person of the company said that:
“Privacy and security has always been a major selling point for BlackBerry.:
BlackBerry Re-announces its Exit from Pakistan Due to Government’s Data Monitoring Demand
Background:
Back in July 2015, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority announced that it would shutter BlackBerry Enterprise Services (BES) from December 1, 2015 due “security reasons.” The Government demanded to have access to the emails, BBM messages and related data of BlackBerry Enterprise Services (BES) users under the National Action Plan mainly for security reasons.
The company is didn’t agree to compromise on the security concerns of its users and finally decided to quit from Pakistan.
Also Read: BlackBerry Confirms it’s Exit From Pakistan
Marty Beard, BlackBerry COO explained in a blog post:
“The truth is that the Pakistani government wanted the ability to monitor all BlackBerry Enterprise Service traffic in the country, including every BES e-mail and BES BBM message. But BlackBerry will not comply with that sort of directive. As we have said many times, we do not support “back doors” granting open access to our customers’ information and have never done this anywhere in the world.”
The COO also added that:
“Instead of just stopping its business services, the company will also remove its consumer services, showing it’s commitment to maintaining user privacy, and refusal to bend to governmental will if it goes against company policy.”
No doubt, Pakistan was not a big market of BlackBerry but still on one hand this situation shows that the company didn’t sacrificed on the security of its user. On the other hand, it also tells that PTA also didn’t compromise on its demand as its request for back door access to the BES data was mainly due to prevailing terrorism in the country. The government tried to negotiate with the company but they didn’t even partially agreed on the demands. Whereas, few years back, BlackBerry allowed same access to the Indian government then why not to Pakistan? I guess our Government didn’t do anything wrong this time.
Also Read: BlackBerry will Remain in Pakistan; Both Parties Relents on Data-Monitoring Demands
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