Armenia is discussing the implementation of a unified system for registering and controlling mobile phone IMEI codes, which could lead to increased user surveillance and expanded collection of personal data. This opinion was expressed by information security expert and co-founder of Cyberhub.am, Samvel Martirosyan.

The discussion concerns amendments to the Law "On Electronic Communications," approved by the government. These amendments propose the creation of an IMEI accounting system – unique 15-digit device identifiers that essentially act as a phone's "digital number."

According to the expert, the official goal of the initiative is to combat the illegal circulation of mobile devices. However, he notes that the system actually expands control not only through SIM cards but also through the devices themselves, combining IMEI data, SIM card information, passport details, and even border crossing facts.

It is also assumed that unregistered devices will be blocked. This could affect, among others, tourists whose phones may stop working after a certain period of stay in the country without registration.

The expert believes that such measures create a disproportionate amount of data collection without transparent mechanisms for controlling its use, and emphasizes the need for broader public discussion of such decisions.