iPhone App arises security concern

An
application running on iPhone has come under the security scanner.
The union Home ministry has written to the Department of Telecom
(DoT) to debar mobile operators from offering a specific application
that destructs messages after it is read by the user.

This
application called Tiger Text, allows users to send text messages and
videos without leaving any trail. Once a sender selects the message
lifespan (from 1 minute to 30 days), expired messages not only gets
deleted from the phone, but are not stored on any server, thereby,
cannot be retrieved. The sender can also choose other options that do
not exist with other texting technology such as deleting the history
of the conversation or making a text message 'delete on read',
meaning the message will disappear 60 seconds after the recipient
opens the message. Indian security agencies are worried that this
application will be used by spies and antisocial elements to
communicate without being detected.

According to
sources, this application will be operational through a server
located in the US. The use of this service by Indian service
providers may create problems to law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in
their operational activities. DoT has been requested that
instructions may be issued to all service providers that before the
launch of this service, proper arrangements for interception and
monitoring is set with prior approval of LEAs.

Security
agencies had recently told telecom operators to keep a check on all
calls and data transmitted through their network for a period of five
years. They had also expressed concerns about 3G video calls and
instant messaging services offered by the likes of Google and
BlackBerry.