Reports monitored from sources in London indicate that preliminary investigations by London Police into riots in parts of the London showed that young adults had been using BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) extensively to coordinate the riots.
The UK division of Research in Motion (RIM), makers of BlackBerry phones has therefore been invited to assist investigators to look into how its product and service has facilitated the riot.
Reports say the Blackberry used to be a tool of business, but has now become very popular with young adults because of lower cost of handsets and the usually unlimited messaging quota available via the BBM service.
London Police report that over the past couple of nights of disturbances, gangs of youths had been more interested in simply stealing and had been sharing messages on their BBM about the best places to congregate to avoid the police.
But RIM's UK division issued a statement saying "we feel for those impacted by this weekend's riots in London. We have engaged with the authorities to assist in any way we can. As in all markets around the world where BlackBerry is available, we cooperate with local telecommunications operators, law enforcement and regulatory officials.
"Similar to other technology providers in the UK we comply with The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act and co-operate fully with the Home Office and UK police forces," the statement said.
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