Register of IMEI Numbers of Mobile Devices to Be Created in Russia

Russia plans to create a unified register of mobile devices — a database of all IMEI numbers. The code can be used to identify a gadget, such as a smartphone or tablet, in a cellular network.

The initiative is part of measures to combat telephone and Internet fraud being discussed in the government. It is assumed that the database will make it easier to track stolen devices and limit the activities of "gray" equipment suppliers.

Experts note that the system may be of some benefit — primarily in the fight against illegal imports of equipment. However, they also point to risks: for example, the IMEI can be faked, and this can lead to erroneous blocking of honestly purchased devices. Such cases have already occurred — for example, one company accidentally released a series of phones with the same numbers, which caused legal problems.

In addition, the appearance of such a register may make it difficult to use equipment purchased abroad. This may hit those who order gadgets on foreign sites — devices may simply not work in Russian networks. There are fears that this is how they want to protect the interests of large retailers from "gray imports", when devices are imported without paying taxes.

Some analysts believe that the project is aimed not so much at combating fraudsters as at strengthening control over the circulation of electronics in the country. In the future, this may lead to additional costs for consumers and the need to register even personal devices brought from abroad.

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