RIM offers data tapping at India office

NEW DELHI, INDIA: BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion has offered to install a network data analysis system at its premises in India that would help tap data, the Economic Times reported on Thursday, citing an internal note from India's interior ministry.

The paper said the Home Ministry had suggested RIM set up the infrastructure, which can automatically decode all data flowing on the company's network, and also ensure that intercepted information will not travel outside the country.

The paper did not specify if the infrastructure would allow data tapping for both corporate email and instant messenger services, which India had threatened to shut off unless it gains access to them, in a campaign driven by fears that unmonitored communication puts the country's security at risk.

An India-based spokesman for RIM was not immediately available to comment.

RIM averted a ban earlier this year, and the Indian government said in late October that RIM had set up an interim arrangement for lawful interception of BlackBerry Messenger services and assured a final solution by the end of January 2011.

Government officials have said they were still in talks with RIM for access to corporate emails on BlackBerry. RIM has previously said it has consistent global standards for lawful access that do not include special deals for specific countries.