The French Government has banned the use of BlackBerry devices over fears of data security. Because BlackBerry devices run through US and British servers, French security officials are concerned that messages could be intercepted by US intelligence agencies.

According to reports, the ban is not holding and French officials are using their BlackBerry devices in secret.

A RIM spokesman responded by saying, "The NSA does not have the ability to view the content of any data communication sent through BlackBerry IT servers.

"All data communications sent through the BlackBerry IT servers are encrypted and the origin of the e-mails cannot be traced or analysed for content.