Cape Town - South Africa has no intention of clamping down
on Research in Motion’s BlackBerry Messenger service, the country’s
communications minister said on Thursday, contradicting comments this week from
a junior minister.
"Government has no intention to regulate or legislate
against BlackBerry encryption messenger services (BBM)," Communications
Minister Radhakrishna Roy Padayachie said in a statement.
"Government has no intention to intercede or interfere
with the privacy of communications between private citizens for lawful
purposes," he said.
Deputy Communications Minister Obed Bapela said in a speech
on Monday the government could consider regulating the BlackBerry Messenger
chat service,which is encrypted, due to concern it could be used by criminals.
British police and politicians said last month they believed
BBM was used by rioters and looters to incite violence.