Question : IMEI Cloning

(a) whether the number of incidents of mobile IMEI cloning have increased due to which cyber criminals are succeeding in their motive and if so, the details thereof and the number of such incidents reported during the last three years‹ State/UT-wise along with the reaction of the Government thereto;

(b) whether the Government is formulating any plan to block IMEI number of lost mobiles;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the details of the problems coming in the way of blocking IMEI number?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS,
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)

(a) The data in respect of increase in incidents of mobile IMEI cloning is not available.
To address the issue of the tampering of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), Government has published the rules called “The prevention of tampering of the Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number, Rules, 2017” in the Gazette of India on 25.08.2017.
(b) to (e) The Government has launched Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) project in Delhi and Maharashtra for blocking and tracing of stolen or lost mobile phones. A phased approach has been envisaged for pan India implementation of the project. The salient features of project include following:
(i) Request for blocking of stolen or lost mobile phones by customer.
(ii) Blocking of such mobile phones across mobile networks.
(iii) Allowing services to other existing customers having mobile phones with same International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)number.
(iv) Sharing of traceability data with Police Authorities.
(v) Unblocking of recovered/found stolen or lost mobile phones.

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