India, Nov. 18 -- Telecommunication devices are a critical component of India's digital economy. To strengthen the security of telecom networks and curb the spread of counterfeit devices, the Government of India has imposed strict requirements on the registration and protection of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. These measures are set out under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, 2024. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has urged all manufacturers, brand owners, importers and sellers to ensure full compliance with the legal framework.

Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, severe penalties apply for tampering with telecommunication identifiers, including IMEI numbers. Th...