DoT Issues Warning on SIM Card Misuse
It said the owner of a SIM card is held responsible if a SIM registered in their name is used for committing cyber fraud or any other illegal activity. It pointed out that some users purchase several SIM cards and afterward distribute them or dispose of them without caring. If those SIM cards are misused, it is the registered owner who is to be blamed.
Illegal Use of Tampered Devices
The DoT declared buying or using modems, modules, or SIM boxes with tampered IMEI numbers a criminal offense. It clarified that getting SIM cards on fake documents or giving a purchased SIM card in your name to another person is a punishable offence. If the SIM card connected to your identity gets used for some form of cybercrime, then both the user and owner would also be held liable under the law.
Restrictions Under Telecom Law
According to the provisions under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, tampering with or changing the IMEI of a mobile device could lead to imprisonment for a term that may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to ₹ 50 lakh or with both. In addition, the Telecommunications Rules, 2024 prohibit the use of any device whose IMEI has been changed.
DoT’s Safety Recommendations
The DoT recommended that users refrain from using mobile apps or websites that disguised the CLI or any telecom identity. The department called upon citizens to check an IMEI detail through the Sanchar Saathi portal or its mobile app. If one feeds an IMEI number into the system, then the brand, model, and manufacturing details would come up. The DoT stated the checks were needed to prevent misuse of network resources and to ensure the safety of the entire telecom ecosystem.
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