India Seeks BlackBerry Data From Google, Skype Users (GOOG) (RIM.TO)

Concerns by India on the usage of BlackBerries by terrorist organizations have led to notices being sent to Google GOOG and Skype to allow officials’ access to web data. BlackBerry maker RIM RIM saw shares fall to a 17-month low of C$45.70 Tuesday, amid India’s threats to shut down their network entirely. India’s government said that RIM had offered some solutions to data access, but there are worries of a slippery slope effect, where other countries will want a similar service that would affect data management and efficiency. In addition, RIM says that they have no way of intercepting the data that these countries, including India, want to access. They also say they do not provide any unique services or access to any one country. India wants to be able to fully track and read BlackBerry communications. These moves could change the smartphone landscape in India, with gains possible by Apple AAPL and Nokia NOK, RIM’s rivals in the region. Shutting down BlackBerry or Google networks would not be in India’s best interests, as the country seeks to maintain its strong information-technology position and reputation.