BlackBerry users in the UAE may face restrictions on how they can use their devices, especially if they are tied to a BlackBerry Enterprise Server. Citing security concerns, the government wants to limit usage of the enterprise services to companies with 20 employees or more.
The government has not formally announced anything yet, but the state-controlled telecommunications company, Etisalat, has informed customers that the restrictions to the service would take effect April 30. The message sent to customers via email states that only businesses with 20 or more accounts and a valid UAE trade license would be able to utilize a BlackBerry Enterprise Server. The enterprise services from BlackBerry allow the companies to encrypt their email messages so they cannot be read without proper access.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the regulatory body in the UAE, has stated that any confusion with the services would be cleared up this week. The TRU also stated that BlackBerry email, internet, and messaging would continue, but did not specify in what capacity.
The proposed restrictions do not come as a big surprise in this part of the world that has seen various upheavals in recent time. Many of the revolts and demonstrations that have occurred in nearby countries such as Egypt had been organized by users on social media networks who can communicate quickly and easily with the public through internet connected devices such as smartphones.
