Insiders Claim BlackBerry Routinely Hands Over BBM Messages To Help Police Forces 'Kick Ass'

On the other hand, a new report suggests BlackBerry Ltd BBRY has been "enthusiastically" helping law enforcement agencies across dozens of countries.

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A CBC News investigation found that a "specialized unit" inside BlackBerry has been cooperating with law enforcement agencies for years. In fact, the publication cited "a number of insiders" who confirmed the findings and said the company is doing its part in "helping law enforcement kick ass."

"Narco trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, kidnapping, crime against children, knowing you are stopping those things [...] how do you not love doing something like that?" the insider told CBC.

For its part, a company spokesperson said it "will not address the questions given the extremely sensitive nature of this process." However, a statement also said that it has been "clear" in its policy of complying with "reasonable lawful access requests."

Police and other agencies that request the help of BlackBerry need to sign a document that confirms their request is "made in connection with the enforcement, investigation, or prosecution of violations of publicly promulgated criminal laws [...] and not the control, suppression, or punishment of peaceful expression of political or religious opinion."