RIM has said that it is co-operating with authorities over the use of its technology amongst rioters since the weekend. 

With BlackBerry Messenger repeatedly mentioned as the messaging platform used by people to organise civil unrest in London and other cities since the weekend, RIMs MD of global sales and regional marketing Patrick Spence says: “We feel for those impacted by recent days riots in London. We have engaged with the authorities to assist in any way we can.”

The suggestion earlier that BBM would be temporarily shut down to disrupt the communications of looters has been dismissed by RIM as a hoax. 

“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.”