BlackBerry Set to be Blocked in UAE, Saudi Arabia (RIMM)

BlackBerry users in Saudi Arabia and the UAE could have certain services cut off after authorities stepped up demands on smartphone maker Research In Motion RIMM for access to encrypted messages sent over the device. "Certain BlackBerry services allow users to act without any legal accountability, causing judicial, social and national security concerns," the United Arab Emirates' Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) said in a statement. The UAE said it would suspend BlackBerry Messenger, email and Web browser services on October 11 until a fix was found, while industry sources said Saudi Arabia had ordered local telecom companies to freeze Messenger this month. "BlackBerry appears to be compliant in similar regulatory environments of other countries, which makes noncompliance in the UAE both disappointing and of great concern," UAE's regulator said. Shares of Research In Motion are down 1.6% today, to $56.62.