What is an IMEI number, how can police use it in cases of mobile phone theft?

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.