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[...] According to reports from multiple sites, backpacks carried the Mumbai terrorists showed multiple BlackBerry handsets. [...]

Source Huliq News.

The four AK-47 and Blackberry-wielding terrorists in the Taj Mahal hotel killed virtually anyone and everyone they saw—staff members, guests, young and old, men and women. This attack on Mumbai could, in fact, be the deadliest terrorist assault on India. [...]

Source Economic Times

I already hear voices in India and all over the world who would like to give governments and counter-terrorist units access to BlackBerry handsets. The cool thing with most current BlackBerry models is that they have a built-in GPS receiver which might allow to locate them. Even President elect Barack Obama has to deal with this problem.

There are many pro arguments for allowing this and I can truly understand their point of view and my heart tells me in the first second: “Yes! We need this!”

However, on the other hand I have to say that my heart – and this is the bigger part – tells me that we cannot do this. RIM cannot do this and I am pretty they will never give anyone access to BlackBerry handsets. Even if they could (the whole idea is that even RIM does not have access to their data). Personal data or business data; there is no difference in the matter of privacy. Even if terrorists use the devices as “secure communication channels”. They could also use scrambled radio walkie-talkies or something like that. The BlackBerry is just much easier, a lot better and comes with quite a lot more features.

One thing must be clear to everyone: BlackBerry devices are not responsible for the attacks. Weapons don’t kill people. People kill people! With or without BlackBerry devices. They don’t care if they use a Russian AK47, a German G36, an American M16 or the butcher’s knife from the friend next door.

I feel sad for everything that happened in Mumbai. I am sure this attack will bring the world community even closer in their fight against terror on the world. In this globalized world it does not matter where it happens New York or Mumbai, Madrid or London, Jakarta or my city.

BlackBerry devices can support bringing peace to the world by protecting everyones privacy as this is highest and most important value in a free and open society. Though it might protect the dark side it also protects everyone who is fighting them. And this is what we need!

Always keep your BlackBerry secure.

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Related Tags: blackberry, mumbai, terror, terrorists