DoT Action on IMEI: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has made it clear that tampering with the 15-digit IMEI number of a mobile phone or any telecom identifier will now be considered a very serious crime. This crime falls in the non-bailable category and can attract a maximum punishment of three years in jail, a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh or both together. The government has adopted this tough stance to protect the telecom network and to curb counterfeit devices.
DoT warns everyone from manufacturers to sellers
DoT has issued a detailed advisory for mobile phone manufacturing companies, brand owners, importers and all sellers. It has been said that under the Telecommunications Act 2023, there is strict punishment for tampering with any telecom identifier. The department has instructed all companies to completely follow the legal framework.
The government also clarified that making changes in IMEI makes it extremely difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace criminals. For this reason, IMEI registration and all related processes are being strictly controlled.
What do the Telecom Act 2023 and Cyber ​​Security Rules say?
Under the new system, not only changing the IMEI, but also knowingly possessing any radio device like mobile, modem, SIM box, when its telecom identifier is incorrect or changed, will be considered a crime in itself. These crimes come under cognizable and non-bailable category. Not only this, those who help, suggest or encourage such work will also be given similar punishment.
According to the Telecom Cyber ​​Security Rules 2024, no person can delete, change or modify the unique identification number of a telecom device. Apart from this, it is also a crime to use or possess any hardware or software that has the ability to change the IMEI.
IMEI registration now mandatory
According to the new guidelines, it is necessary to register the IMEI number of every mobile phone, module, modem and SIM box manufactured in India on the Government’s Device Setu (ICDR) Portal before the first sale, testing or research. Similarly, registration of any device with IMEI from abroad has been made mandatory before bringing it to India.
DoT says that following these rules is very important for the country’s cyber security, tax compliance and to prevent the spread of counterfeit devices. Action will be taken without any leniency against those who violate the rules.
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