A Code for Every Device: Russia Eyes National IMEI Registry
In the age of digital identity, Russia wants every connected device to have a fingerprint.
Russia is gearing up to build a centralized registry of all mobile-enabled devices — not just smartphones, but everything from drones to SIM-powered alarm systems. The proposed plan, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Development and the Russian Government's executive office, would assign a unique 15-digit IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) code to each connected gadget in the country.
The goal? Traceability, accountability, and national security.
Beyond Phones: Drones, Routers, and Smart Tech in the Crosshairs
Unlike previous initiatives focused solely on smartphones, this system aims wider. Any device with GSM capabilities — routers, smart sensors, even some laptops — could fall under the new regulation. Only Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-only gadgets and legacy phones without IMEI will be exempt.
A designated national operator will manage the registry, responsible for verifying the legality of every device on the network. This authority would have the power to block stolen phones, unauthorized SIM boxes, or illicit drones from connecting to mobile infrastructure. That means devices not registered with the system could be kicked off the network entirely.
A Cybersecurity Move with Broad Implications
For the Ministry of Digital Development, the motivation is clear: reduce the attack surface for cybercrime. By giving the government granular visibility into the devices operating on Russian networks, officials hope to stem the tide of fraud, unregulated imports, and potentially malicious hardware.
While the proposal is still under discussion, its direction aligns with global trends around digital sovereignty and tighter telecom regulation. But as Russia moves toward a more traceable device ecosystem, it also raises questions about data governance and technological overreach.
Still, one thing is certain — in Russia’s connected future, your phone, drone, or smart fridge may need a digital passport just to get online.
