BlackBerry gets OK to buy encryptors of Merkel's mobile

BERLIN, GERMANY: Germany said on Friday it had approved Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry's purchase of data encryption firm Secusmart, whose customers include Chancellor Angela Merkel, after agreeing what media dubbed a "no-spy clause".

3 Dec 2014

Chancellor Angela Merkel is one of Secusmart's customers. (Image: Public Domain)

Concern over German security interests had been allayed with the agreement of a special clause with BlackBerry, an interior ministry spokesman told reporters.

The planned purchase of Secusmart, a German voice and data encryption and anti-eavesdropping firm, was announced in July.

The issue of secure communications is especially sensitive in Germany after revelations last year that the US National Security Agency tapped Merkel's mobile phone.

The German government declined to reveal details of the accord negotiated with BlackBerry.

Media reports said Berlin had stipulated that German security officials have access to source codes in the BlackBerry operating system.

Germany also insisted that no confidential information be passed to foreign intelligence services, reported the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper and public broadcasters WDR and NDR.

Source: AFP, via I-Net Bridge

Source: I-Net Bridge

For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.

We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.

Go to: http://www.inet.co.za