Prevention of Tampering of Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number Rules, 2017

[Ref: Department of Telecommunications Notification dated 25 August 2017]

G.S.R. 1068(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (k) of sub- section (2) of section 7 read with section 25 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 (13 of 1885), the Central Government, hereby, make the following rules to prevent the tampering of Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number, namely:

1. Short title and Commencement

(1) These rules may be called the prevention of tampering of the Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number, Rules, 2017.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the official Gazette.

2. Definition.—In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires, -

(a) ‘Manufacturer’ means a person who has lawfully obtained the right to assign a Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number to a mobile device before the initial sale of the mobile device; (b) Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number’ means a unique –

(i) international mobile equipment identity number (IMEI); or

(ii) electronic serial number (ESN) ; or

(iii) any other number or signal –

that identifies a unique mobile wireless communication device; or for the purposes has the same function and purposes as specified above.

3. Tampering of Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number.—It shall be unlawful, if a person, except the manufacturer –

(i) intentionally removes, obliterates, change, or alter unique Mobile Device Equipment Identification Number; or

(ii) intentionally use, produce, traffic in, have control or custody of, or possess hardware or software, knowing it has been configured as specified above.

[F. No. 19-37/2012/S-II (Pt.)]