Tampering with the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of a mobile device has been labelled a crime in many countries of the world.
IMEI is a unique 15-digit ID of a mobile handset. Whenever a user makes a call, the call record shows phone number of the caller and IMEI number of the handset from which the call has been made on the computers of the service provider.
The unique number of mobile devices is allocated by global industry body GSMA and bodies authorised by it. When a mobile phone is lost, people are required to mention the IMEI number of the handset for tracking.
The mobile number in a handset may be changed by changing SIM but IMEI number can be changed by a technical person using special equipment.
Most times, smart users of smartphones change the IMEI of their phone in order to benefit certain services that the phone ordinarily would not have the capacity to. For instance, changing the IMEI of an Android phone to a Blackberry IMEI in order to enjoy the benefits that comes from telecoms service providers for Blackberry phones.
Tampering with the IMEI numbers of a mobile device makes it difficult for police or any other security agency in tracking that device.
Recently, the government of India made tampering of IMEI number a punishable offence that can attract a jail term of up to 3 years.
The move will help curb issues pertaining to fake IMEI numbers and also ease tracking of lost mobile phones in the country.
“It shall be unlawful, if a person, except the manufacturer – intentionally removes, obliterates, changes, or alters unique Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number,” Indian Department of Telecom said in a statement.
The new rules called “the prevention of tampering of the Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number, Rules, 2017” bar a person from knowingly using mobile device whose IMEI number has been changed unlawfully or software that can change or tamper the unique number.
Besides, the Department of Telecom is putting in place a new system that will block all services on stolen or lost mobile phones on any network even if the SIM card is removed or IMEI number of the handset is changed.
A summary of the legislation on cybercrime in Nigeria did not explicitly state any prohibition to tampering with the IMEI of a mobile device. Even, the legislation, the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 did not make mention of IMEI.
The only nearest mention is “unauthorized modification of computer system” in the summary of the legislation on cybercrime in Nigeria.