In A James Bond Twist Obama May be Allowed to Keep His Blackberry

On Wednesday Marc Ambinder, a political blogger for The Atlantic, reported that the president may be allowed to retain his tech toy but that many security issues would first have to be addressed. A fact which has created much speculation throughout the blogosphere about the nature of this “spy-proof smartphone” perhaps better known by its preferred handle of “BarackBerry”.

As a rule acting Presidents are obligated to swear a vow of “techie celibacy” when in office. E-mail for instance has long been feared because of security reasons. Many qualms exist that foreign espionage services could hack the messages of the nation’s leader placing state secrets at risk. There are also concerns that mobile device such as cel phones and of course Blackberries could reveal the exact location of the president placing him in danger.

Prior administrations have also had to make due in the past. CNN reports that, President George W. Bush was forced to give up using e-mail when he took charge, while President Bill Clinton sent just two e-mails during his administration -- one to test that the system worked and the second to veteran astronaut John Glenn before his trip into space in 1998.

Despite these issues Ambinder indicates that the National Security Agency (NSA) approved a $3,350 smartphone for the president’s use. This apparatus is not without precedent. The Sectera Edge smartphone from General Dynamics is certified by the NSA and can be used to handle classified voice messages as well as top secret documents. Unfortunately the president and his staff would still be unable to use instant message services within the White House compound.

Still, concern exists within watchdog organizations that the device could affect government transparency. The Presidential Records Act of 1978, requires that documents retained by the White House must be released to the public and many are wondering how information sent via the “BarackBerry” would be handled by this act.

Obama, considered by many the first online president because of his heavily multi-media based election campaign, has been quoted as saying that somebody would have to “pry it [the Blackberry] from his hands” before he would give it up.

By: Alberto Ramos Cordero