Saudi Arabian authorities are to allow BlackBerrys to continue operating in the kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency has reported. The Kingdom's Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC) said it will not invoke a ban on the popular smartphones as it continues to evaluate a data monitoring system developed in conjunction with Research in Motion, the Canadian company that makes the device. The CITC had previously ordered RIM to stop the BlackBerry instant messaging service by Saturday if the company could not comply with strict regulatory requirements. CITC extended the deadline for RIM to find a solution by two days, however. It was reported on Sunday that RIM had installed three BlackBerry servers to house a proposed monitoring system.
"The Commission decided to allow the continuation to provide the BlackBerry Messenger service and continue to work with service providers to complete the remainder of the regulatory requirements," the CITC said in a statement. "The Board had indicated that it will continue to evaluate and review the work .... taking place in this regard and take necessary action accordingly." The UAE plans on suspending BlackBerry services on October 11 after local authorities cited social, judicial and national security concerns behind its request to monitor BlackBerry messages. RIM has declined the TRA's request. Other GCC countries such as Oman, Bahrain and Qatar do not plan on enacting similar BlackBerry service suspensions. Kuwait has requested that RIM block 3,000 pornography websites on BlackBerry servers. RIM declined to comment. dgeorgecosh@thenational.ae
