The Department of Communications (DOC) will access BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) records through court orders due to increasing 'criminality' using the communication service.
Deputy minister Obed Bapela says that because of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act (RICA) criminals have turned to BlackBerry. He says the smartphone is popular particularly because of the BBM service.
“The devil minds have begun to abuse this communication for planning their crimes. So the time has come to visit BBM.”
However, Bapela emphasises that this will be done with the care of RICA so that users' privacy will not be compromised.
He explains that decryption of BBM records will only be demanded in instances where there are indications that BBM was used for criminal activity and these records will be accessed via court orders.
“It will just be these isolated cases and the privacy of other users is guaranteed. So it's not a blanket opening of spying on people.”
He adds that the department has not yet started negotiations with BB creator Research in Motion. This will be done once the cybersecurity policy goes to Cabinet.
“So far this is just an indication of something the DOC is seriously considering.”
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