Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law to create a unified database of mobile device identification numbers (IMEI) in Russia:
According to the law, this system will contain information about permitted and prohibited IMEI codes for use in Russia:
Recently, the Armenian government also approved a project that aims to implement mechanisms for controlling mobile phone IMEIs:
There are concerns among information security experts. Arthur Papyan, co-founder of Cyberhub.am, writes: “A huge database will be created, linking your passport and personal data, your phone's code, and all your SIM/eSIM cards. This is not just a tax tool; it gives the state the ability to see at any moment who is activating the network with what device and when.”
The first reading of the project is scheduled for September, and it has only received government approval so far.
