Russia May Introduce Mandatory Smartphone Registration in 2021

Starting July 1, 2021, Russian authorities may implement mandatory registration of smartphones using the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. According to “Kommersant,” registration of devices already in use will be free, while owners of new mobile phones will be required to pay a fee for the service.

This legislative proposal was first prepared in December 2018. In November 2019, mobile operators Beeline, MegaFon, and Tele2, together with Roskomnadzor, began preparing for the introduction of IMEI identification in Russia.

The latest version of the document states that the government will determine the procedure and amount of the registration fee. The initial draft had set a maximum fee of 100 rubles. Devices purchased for government and municipal needs, including smartphones and other SIM-enabled devices, will not be subject to this regulation.

Mobile operators will have the right to block equipment that is not registered or has a duplicate IMEI number. Starting January 1, 2024, operators will also be able to block lost or stolen devices.

The document is currently in the final approval stage within the presidential administration. After this, it may be submitted to the State Duma for consideration.