This week,the United Arab Emirates announced it would block BlackBerry e-mail,web browsing and instant messenger services on October eleventh.

VOA: special.2010.08.06

The programs can capture what has been typed in e-mails, chat rooms, and instant messenger services.

CNN: Tools: Protecting your kids online

But the catch with alternative instant messaging services is that each one is a closed system.

CNN: One-third of Americans prefer texts to voice calls

These include restrictions over how much time is spent on instant messaging services.

BBC: Child safety measures to protect against internet threats