New Delhi: Tampering with the 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number and other telecom identifiers on mobile devices is now classified as a serious criminal offense in India. The Telecom Department on Monday clarified that violations can attract up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of ₹50 lakh, or both.
The department has instructed all mobile manufacturers, brand owners, importers, distributors, and resellers to strictly adhere to the legal framework. This stringent action falls under the Telecom Act, 2023 and the Telecom Cybersecurity Rules, 2024.
Legal Provisions and Penalties
The department highlighted that tampering with an IMEI number or other telecom identifiers is a cognizable and non-bailable offense. Under the Telecom Act, 2023, any individual who intentionally tampers with or possesses a mobile handset, modem, module, SIM box, or any radio device containing altered telecom identifiers will be committing a criminal act. Section 42(7) provides for up to three years of imprisonment, a fine of ₹50 lakh, or both, while Section 42(6) prescribes similar penalties for promoting or aiding such offenses.
Under the Telecom Cybersecurity Rules, 2024, no person is permitted to deliberately delete, erase, modify, or tamper with specific telecom equipment identifiers. The rules also prohibit unauthorized use, manufacture, trafficking, control, or possession of hardware or software associated with telecom identifiers.
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Warning for Manufacturers and Sellers
The department emphasized that using devices with programmable IMEI numbers is considered equivalent to tampering and will attract legal action. Manufacturers, brand owners, importers, and retailers must recognize that producing, purchasing, assembling, or using such devices can have serious legal consequences.
This strict enforcement is aimed at maintaining telecom cybersecurity, preventing fraud, ensuring regulatory compliance, and facilitating lawful enforcement. Adhering to these rules safeguards networks and devices from counterfeit or tampered equipment.
Monitoring Through IMEI Database
The government maintains a centralized database of tampered or blacklisted IMEI numbers. Organizations dealing with the sale or purchase of older mobile devices are required to verify IMEIs through this database before completing any transaction and pay a nominal fee for verification.
All devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, tablets, USB modems, modules, dongles, laptops, and SIM boxes, must be registered on the Device Seva – ICDR portal.
Strict Measures and Security Objective
The robust legal framework ensures control over the use and circulation of tampered devices in the market. According to the department, these measures not only strengthen regulatory compliance but also enhance cybersecurity and lawful tax collection.
Experts note that this initiative is crucial in preventing mobile theft, SIM cloning, and other digital crimes, protecting consumers, and ensuring the reliability of telecom networks. By enforcing these regulations, authorities aim to secure India’s telecom ecosystem against fraud and unauthorized tampering.
The move reinforces the government’s commitment to safeguard telecom infrastructure and protect users from potential risks arising from tampered or manipulated IMEI devices. Stakeholders in the mobile industry are urged to remain vigilant and compliant to avoid legal repercussions.
