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The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has renewed commitments to combating counterfeit and stolen Information and Communications Technology (ICT) devices.
TheNewsGuru reports the ITU standardization expert group for protocols, test specifications and combating counterfeit made the commitment arising from its July 18-27 meeting.
Some of the challenges identified for counterfeiting and stealing ICT devices include, but not limited to, tampering of existing ICT identifiers, which majorly has to do with changing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number of a device.
It was found that multiple device users now exist with the same IMEI numbers, and that, in some cases there is no IMEI number at all.
Different stakeholders face some challenges to detect and control devices with altered/duplicated IMEI, the tampering/cloning of unique identifiers affect both the combat of counterfeit and stolen ICT and tampering and manipulation of ICT identifiers affect the functioning of operator’s network.
ICT counterfeiting poses dangers to the health, safety and privacy of consumers, and the number and range of affected products is growing.
Counterfeiting has seen ICT companies fall victim to revenue losses and erosions in brand value as a result of trademark infringement.
Consumers do not experience the quality of service (QoS) associated with their chosen brands, in some cases even to the detriment of their health.
The meeting shone spotlight on the battle against counterfeit and stolen ICT devices, a global challenge to which ITU members, which Nigeria belongs, are developing a global response.
An ITU workshop held in conjunction with the meeting on July 23 showcased innovative solutions to the challenge, and offered a platform to discuss concerns surrounding the tampering with or cloning of ICT device identifiers.
Part of the solution to the challenge include the need for vendors to start implementing IMEI in non-erasable and nonreprogrammable ROM of mobile phones.
It will also include strict implementation of IMEI-blocking measures, kill switches, and deterring policies.