Russian Lawmakers Propose Locking SIM Cards to Smartphones to Thwart Theft

A proposed security upgrade could make stolen phones worthless — if passed, Russian law may soon tie SIM cards to specific devices.

Russian lawmakers are considering a bold initiative to combat smartphone theft: tying each SIM card to a specific phone using its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. The proposal, now under discussion in the State Duma, would render stolen phones useless with any other SIM card.

The IMEI is a unique hardware-encoded number that identifies a mobile device on the network. It typically contains details about the phone’s model, manufacturer, and firmware, and is used for network registration and emergency calls. If the proposed system is adopted, the IMEI would be linked directly to the user’s SIM card, making it nearly impossible for third parties to reuse the device.

The measure is being championed by Russian lawmaker Sergey Boyarsky, who cited international precedents for this kind of technology. 'Some countries already use similar systems,' Boyarsky said. 'It’s possible that this could evolve into a business model, with manufacturers offering it as an optional security feature.'

Smartphones and tablets are currently the most frequently stolen valuables in Russia, according to recent statistics. Security experts believe that the proposal could gain significant public support.

If implemented, the new system could make hacking or unauthorized use of Russian smartphones virtually impossible.