India’s threat to cut off core features of the Blackberry smartphone on security grounds unless the devices manufacturer, Research In Motion, accedes to demands to open up its services to security agencies could widen to include Google and Skype.

The government there has set a deadline of August 31 for their demands to be met following alleged fears that Islamic militants could take advantage of the service.

Google and Skype are also being looked at as targets as part of a drive to enable interception and monitoring of all internet based traffic.

India joins Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in threatening a ban, moves which have already led to expressions of concern from the US.

If implemented it would mean Blackberry customers would only be able to use their devices for phone calls and web browsing.