Why I don't trust Arab online services

Privacy

Privacy is the next big buzzword that you're going to be hearing about from now on. It will by synonymous with security and is a great concern for great deal of researchers and experts mainly because the world as we see it today. Is going to continue to morph to depend more on alternate methods of identity. With Privacy as it's cornerstone. Someone who has your information has the ability to steal your identity. Which will be catastrophic in the future. But that's not all

Lets face it, for Hotmail, I'm just a figure, no one is going to be interested in what I have in my inbox. But I sadly can't say the same about Arabic services... That's just the way it is. All you have to do is cross the wrong people. Who may not even be the decision makers or the admins themselves but they know a friend of a friend of their girlfriend, and now .... they know everything about you

When I establish an account at Google, Facebook or even my space. I know that my private information is going to continue to be my private information. Someone accessing it illegitimately might be subject to very harsh disciplinary actions, and might do jail time.

I can't feel the same about my information on ANY Arabic social or online server. So I stay away.

Quality

The Quality of a service that is pumping millions into their online presence is something you can feel. Even though the services grow and prosper. Their quality usually gets better as economies of scale starts kicking in. Sadly, this is not the case for Arabic online services and the results are disappointing

Accountability

When something goes wrong. I know where to go to normally when dealing with an international company. I deal with a company and not an individual. So I know that even if someone is not there, things will still function. But sadly that's not the case with Arab online services where accountability is really not that clear, and knowing people is the only way to get things done.

Reliability

International services are monitored world wide not only by the company, but by it's competitors, media and many other sources that ensures their reliability is always top notch. Even then, issues happen. Sadly, this is not the case for Arab online services. Which are usually financially strapped to allow for detailed disaster recover procedures.

Security

This is the main area where I have severe doubts. Most international companies will have specialized security teams that are tasked with the hardest of all tasks. Security. Sadly, security is barely breaking the service in the Arabic online services and therefore that means that there is a threat on so many levels for anything the customer receives.

Sustainability

Not this is a serious issue. How do I know the company is going to be there 2 months, 3 months, 4 years from now? It's true that this can't be guaranteed anywhere, but in the case of international companies people seem to uphold themselves to a higher standards in front of their stakes holders

Neutrality

As we know in our socially, politically and economically torn part of the world, the neutrality of the company can't be maintained. One day they might be in one boat, the next day in a completely other boat. There are no guarantees!

Business ethics

Sadly, business (online or otherwise) are run like a person's personal sock drawer. If he's happy with someone, he'll provide exceptional service. If not, well, lets just say you might find yourself on the street! Your account blocked, deleted or exposed. No justification is needed. All you have to do is engage with one of the decision maker in the company, and poof, you're history.

Geopolitical pressure

Sadly, local authorities will eventually have the upper hand over whoever is dealing with the Arabic online services. The implications of freedom of speech, personal liabilities, and numerous other civil and political considerations will get to you. Where as in international companies that isn't as bad

Conclusions...

It will be a long time before the Arabic gain my trust. There needs to be mechanism placed in effect to make sure these contention points are mitigated before they can prosper and take their place among the mega services worldwide