The Indian government is launching a nationwide mobile phone tracking system called CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register) to help people block and track their lost or stolen devices, enhancing national security and curbing phone theft. In this article, you can read all about the new “game-changing” mobile tracking system launched by the government called the CEIR system. This topic is important for the IAS exam current affairs, IT, security, as well as science and technology segments.
What is CEIR?
CEIR aims to ease the reporting of stolen and lost mobile phones and block such devices from being used, across the country. Also, citizens can check the status of their request to block a lost/stolen phone, and they can also unblock the device, once it has been found.
- The Centre for Department of Telematics (CDoT), which has been running a pilot of the CEIR in Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the North East, launched the system on May 17, 2023.
- The system is not just a tracking system but will also deter thieves from stealing mobiles as it will basically render stolen mobiles useless.
How will it work?
The CEIR system operates using the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity).
- IMEI Registration:
- Users are required to disclose the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, a 15-digit unique identifier, of their mobile device before its sale in India.
- The IMEI number is associated with the device’s hardware and serves as its unique identifier.
- Reporting Lost or Stolen Mobile Phones:
- If a mobile phone is lost or stolen, the user reports the IMEI number to the authorities.
- If a mobile phone is lost or stolen, the user reports the IMEI number to the authorities.
- Blocking IMEI Across Networks:
- The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system receives the reported IMEI number and blocks it across all networks.
- Once blocked, the mobile device becomes unusable on any network within the country.
- Preventing Unauthorized Use:
- By blocking the IMEI number, the system prevents anyone else from using the lost or stolen device on any network in India.
- This helps deter theft and unauthorized use of mobile phones.
- Tracking and Recovery:
- Authorities, including the police, can access the CEIR system to track and locate stolen or lost mobile phones based on their blocked IMEI numbers.
- Tracking efforts may involve using advanced technologies and collaborations with telecom operators to identify the location of the device.
- Retrieval by Authorities:
- Once a stolen or lost mobile phone is located, the authorities take necessary action to recover the device.
- The police work on verifying ownership and returning the recovered devices to their rightful owners.
- National Security and Counterfeit Prevention:
- The tracking system helps address national security concerns by preventing the use of cloned or counterfeit mobile phones.
- Authorities can identify unauthorized or cloned devices based on their IMEI numbers and take appropriate action.
- Consumer Awareness and Protection:
- The system helps protect consumer interests by making them aware of counterfeit or cloned mobile phones in the market.
- Users can verify the IMEI numbers of mobile devices before purchasing, ensuring authenticity and preventing potential issues.
- IMEI Definition: IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity.
- Unique Identifier: IMEI is a 15-digit numeric code assigned to every mobile device worldwide.
- Hardware Identification: IMEI serves as a unique identifier for a specific mobile device, distinguishing it from others.
- Manufacturing and Assignment: IMEI numbers are assigned by the device manufacturer during production.
- Disclosure Requirement: In India, it is mandatory for mobile device sellers to disclose the IMEI numbers of devices before their sale.
- IMEI Registration: Mobile devices are registered with their respective IMEI numbers to create a record of ownership and identification.
- Tracking Capability: IMEI numbers enable mobile tracking systems to locate and track lost or stolen devices.
- Blocking Capability: By blocking an IMEI number, a stolen or lost device can be rendered unusable across all networks.
- Cloned Device Detection: IMEI numbers help identity cloned or counterfeit mobile devices, aiding in fraud prevention.
- Consumer Verification: Users can verify the IMEI numbers of mobile devices to ensure their authenticity and avoid purchasing counterfeit or cloned devices.
- National Security: IMEI numbers are used to address national security concerns by preventing the use of cloned or counterfeit mobile phones for illegal activities.
- Protection against Theft: IMEI numbers play a crucial role in discouraging theft as stolen devices can be tracked and rendered useless.
- Consumer Awareness: IMEI numbers educate consumers about the importance of checking and verifying the IMEI numbers of devices to ensure they are genuine.
The Issue with Mobile Theft
- Individuals:
- Personal and financial loss due to stolen or lost devices
- Risk of data breaches and identity theft
- Mobile Phone Manufacturers:
- Revenue loss from stolen devices not being replaced
- Damage to brand reputation due to the prevalence of phone theft
- Telecom Operators:
- Negative impact on brand reputation
- Increased customer service inquiries related to stolen or lost phones
- Governments:
- National security concerns due to cloned or counterfeit mobile phones
- Difficulty in tracking and recovering stolen devices
- Revenue loss from smuggling and illegal phone sales
- Police:
- The burden of investigating mobile theft cases
- Coordination with stakeholders for information sharing
- Resource allocation for investigation and prevention efforts
Conclusion: The rollout of the CEIR system in India aims to address the issue of lost or stolen mobile phones. By leveraging IMEI numbers, this system enables individuals to block and track their devices nationwide, safeguard national security, protect consumer interests, and minimize revenue losses.
CEIR Mobile Tracking System [New Mobile Tracking System Launched by Govt]:- Download PDF Here
| Related Links | |||
| Environment and Ecology Notes | Science and Technology Notes | ||
| IAS Exam Pattern | UPSC Prelims Science and Technology Questions | ||
| UPSC 2023 Calendar | Current Affairs Quiz | ||
Comments