- 04 June | MGP Strategy Series | GS Paper 4 (Ethics) with AIR 7 A.R. Rajah Mohaideen Click Here to register for the session →
- 04 June | GS Advance Program begins from 4th June 2026 | First 2 classes open to all Click Here to register for the event →
- 05 June | MGP Strategy Series | GS Paper 3 Strategy Session with AIR 406 Mannat Luthra Click Here to register for the session
- 06 June | Open Orientation on Essay Guidance Program (EGP 2026) Click Here to register →
- 07 June | Open Orientation for Current Affairs for Mains 2026 Click Here to register →
- 07 June | Sociology Optional Strategy Session with AIR 10 Ujjwal Priyank Click Here to register →
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “What is an IMEI number, how can police use it in cases of mobile phone theft?” published in Indian Express on 8th August 2022.
What is the News?
Due to rising cases of mobile phone snatching in Delhi, the Delhi Police is now planning to work with internet service providers and the department of telecommunications to block stolen or robbed phones.
This will be done by using the device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.
What is International Mobile Equipment Identity(IMEI)?
IMEI is a unique number that is used to identify a device on a mobile network. It has 15 digits and is like a phone’s unique identity.
When one uses the internet or places a call through their cellular service provider, then this number is used to verify the identity of the device. If the person has a dual SIM phone, then s/he will have two IMEI numbers, one for each slot.
How is the IMEI number useful?
If we keep its operational use aside, the IMEI number can help network providers track down a device in case it gets stolen or is lost.
Once such loss or theft is reported, the carrier/s can deny the device access to the cellular network even with a new SIM card. This will practically render the device useless as it won’t be able to make or receive calls.
What are the challenges?
Mobile phones which don’t have a flexible operating system can be broken into. There is software that can change the IMEI numbers of the phones as well. This might cause trouble for law enforcement agencies in blocking stolen devices.
