Putin signed a law on the creation of a unified database of IMEI codes for mobile devices in the Russian Federation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law on the creation of a centralized database of unique mobile device identifiers (IMEI) in Russia. The document was posted on the website of the official publication of legal acts on June 26.

The law on the IMEI database

The document is part of the second package of measures aimed at countering cyberbullying.

IMEI Registry: Allowed and forbidden codes

The information system, which is provided for by law, will include a register of IMEI codes: it will record the identifiers of devices allowed and prohibited for use in Russia. IMEI is a 15‑digit unique code assigned to mobile gadgets that work with a SIM card; it makes it possible to accurately identify the device on the mobile operator's network.

Participants in filling the database: operators and government agencies

Mobile radiotelephone operators will have to transmit data on the IMEI codes of their subscribers' phones to the database. In addition to the operators, authorized authorities will fill out the register — their list will be approved by the government.

Grounds for blocking IMEI communication

If the IMEI code is listed as prohibited, the operator must refuse to provide communication services. The service will also be terminated if it turns out that the same number is being used on different devices.