Myanmar’s military junta announced on Thursday a new plan to require the registration of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers for all mobile phones—a move that rights groups warn is a significant step toward total communication surveillance.
Starting this week, the military intends to establish a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). This system will link specific mobile devices to individual users, allowing the regime to track and potentially disable hardware remotely.
The junta claims the move is intended to streamline tax collection and curb illegal imports.
According to an announcement made via state-owned media, the registration process will be split into two phases. Current users will not be required to pay additional taxes for devices already in use. However, the system will “automatically capture” IMEI numbers through local network providers. To ensure a device is registered, users must have a local SIM card inserted in their phones. . .
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