The burning topic surrounding BlackBerry (other than their recent Torch 9800 and OS 6 launch, of course) were the ugly questions raised over the messaging service's misuse by anti-social elements. Blackberry's push-mail service encrypts messages thus making it hard for anybody to tap into. Countries other than our own complaining about this in recent times was Saudi Arabia; with its flip-flopping decision to ban the service in the region. India too had given adeadline for BlackBerry to comply else face a ban.
Amidst this chaos, it was quite fitting to ask people whether they think it's acceptable for governments to snoop on Blackberry e-mails. The results were in favor of strong patriotism over one's privacy. More than 60 percent said they'd be OK with the government going through their private stuff, if it helps in strengthening to country's safety. But close to 40 percent felt that it is un-called for intrusion of their privacy.
There were quite a few interesting opinions on the buzzing comments section. Techtree user Letzchat from Bhopal said, "Im ready for it. If you aren't doing something wrong, then there's no reason to worry. Moreover, if such a step saves the lives of our loved ones, why not let them?!" While a "desktoparchitect" retorted with his post, "No, it is not alright for the government to be watching our text messaging and e-mail. My Internet use is my personal right and the government has no inherent right to snoop."
My view: While snooping e-mails does affect our privacy, what makes us believe that the government isn't already scanning through other forms of communication (like your Gmail or instant messaging or even SMS)? So, IF AND AND ONLY IF this is done to aid the government's intelligence to crack down terrorists and nothing else, do I think it is fair for BlackBerry to give up the encryption codes to them. The government must ensure that high priority given to it not being misused in any other way. Also, one must remember that BlackBerry is just one form of encrypted communication that the terrorists might use. One can't deny that even if the Government wins this one, there will still be other means that they will keep (hopefully already are keeping) a tap on.
What do you think? Will you be alright with the Government having access over your BlackBerry messages, if it serves in helping the security of this attack-prone country? Leave us a comment and let us know.
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