SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Institutions: Ministry of Communications | Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued a caution to all citizens, reinforcing the strict legal provisions under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, against the misuse and tampering of telecommunication identifiers, primarily the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This measure is essential due to the rapid growth of mobile connectivity and the increasing use of tampered devices and fraudulently procured SIM cards for cyber-fraud.
The Telecommunications Act, 2023, imposes stringent penalties for violations:
Prohibited Acts: The Act specifically prohibits tampering of telecommunication identifiers (Section 42(3)(c)), obtaining SIM cards through fraud or impersonation (Section 42(3)(e)), and the willful possession of equipment (like mobile handsets or SIM Boxes) using tampered identifiers (Section 42(3)(f)).
Consequences: Violation carries penalties of imprisonment for up to three years, fines up to ₹50 lakh, or both. Notably, these offenses are designated as cognizable and non-bailable.
Citizen Liability: The warning emphasizes that individuals who procure SIM cards in their name and subsequently transfer or hand them over to others for misuse in cyber-fraud may also be held liable as offenders.
To promote security, the government advises citizens to utilize the Sanchar Saathi portal or Mobile App to verify the IMEI details and secure their mobile connections, ensuring a reliable and secure telecommunications ecosystem for all Indians.
Policy Relevance: This action by the DoT reinforces the government’s commitment to cybersecurity and investor confidence in the digital economy. By enforcing strict, modern legal accountability on both tech-savvy offenders and common citizens who negligently facilitate misuse, India aims to strengthen the digital infrastructure’s integrity, deter cyber-fraud, and ensure the Telecommunications Act, 2023, is an effective tool for consumer safety.
What is a Telecommunication Identifier (like IMEI) and why is tampering prohibited?→ A Telecommunication Identifier, such as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, is a unique, 15-digit serial number assigned to every mobile phone or device to identify it globally . Tampering is prohibited because these identifiers are crucial for network security, tracking stolen devices, and tracing the origin of fraudulent or malicious calls and cyber-activities. Strict legal provisions are necessary to prevent the misuse of these identifiers to commit fraud or undermine national security by concealing the device’s origin.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What enforcement mechanisms must the Department of Telecommunications prioritize to effectively implement Section 42(3)(f) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, concerning the willful possession of devices with tampered IMEIs across all domestic marketplaces?
Follow the full news here: DoT Cautions Citizens on Legal Penalties for IMEI Tampering and SIM Misuse