The Indian government is set to launch a new mobile tracking system on May 17, 2023, which will allow individuals to block and track their lost or stolen mobile phones throughout the country.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing the security and safety of mobile phone users, and will be implemented on a pan-India basis. A senior government official has confirmed the upcoming launch of this tracking system.
Technology Development Body Prepares for Nationwide Deployment
The Centre for Department of Telematics (CDoT), responsible for technology advancements, has successfully conducted a pilot program for the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system in several telecom circles across India, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the North East region.
As per an anonymous official from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the CEIR system is now ready for a pan-India deployment, scheduled for May 17, 2023.
Empowering Individuals to Block and Track Lost Mobile Phones
The CEIR system, set to launch nationwide, will grant individuals the ability to block and track their lost or stolen mobile phones throughout the country. The Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Project Board at CDoT, Rajkumar Upadhyay, confirmed the readiness of the technology for pan-India deployment. This significant step aims to enhance mobile phone users’ security and safety.
Strengthening Security Measures
CDoT has introduced additional features to counter the use of cloned mobile phones across all telecom networks. To curb unauthorized usage, the government has mandated the disclosure of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, a unique 15-digit numeric identifier, before the sale of mobile devices in India.
Mobile network providers will have access to a list of approved IMEI numbers, allowing them to prevent the entry of unauthorized devices into their networks.
Collaboration for Effective Tracking
Telecom operators, in collaboration with the CEIR system, will possess visibility into the IMEI numbers and associated mobile numbers, enabling tracking of lost or stolen mobile phones in certain states through the CEIR system.
The introduction of CEIR serves multiple purposes, including streamlining the reporting of lost and stolen mobiles, deterring mobile phone theft, facilitating police investigations, detecting counterfeit or cloned devices, restricting the use of such devices, and safeguarding consumer interests by providing information about fake and cloned mobile phones.
Successful Results: Over 2,500 Mobile Phones Recovered
The efficacy of the CEIR system has been demonstrated recently by the Karnataka Police, who successfully recovered and returned over 2,500 lost mobile phones to their rightful owners. This accomplishment showcases the system’s potential in combating mobile phone theft and fostering the return of stolen devices.
Equalizing Tracking Capabilities Across Platforms
While Apple already offers a system to track lost mobile phones through Apple ID, similar capabilities have been lacking for Android mobile phones. With the nationwide deployment of the CEIR system, the use of stolen mobile phones will become futile, effectively curbing theft and fraud.
By implementing this comprehensive mobile tracking system, the Indian government aims to enhance security measures, protect consumers, and discourage mobile phone theft.
According to Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Project Board at CDoT Rajkumar Upadhyay, said:
It is a common tactic for wrongdoers to alter the IMEI numbers of stolen mobile phones, thereby impeding their tracking and blocking. This presents a significant national security concern. The CEIR addresses this issue by leveraging multiple databases to block any cloned mobile devices on the network. Moreover, the system includes an in-built mechanism to identify instances of phone smuggling, which will aid the government in preventing revenue loss to the exchequer.