The Minister of Justice assured that the new IMEI code registry is intended to combat smartphone smuggling, not to control citizens.

Armenian Minister of Justice Surbuhi Galyan commented on concerns related to plans for creating a unified state registry of mobile phone IMEI codes. According to her, the introduction of the new system does not imply control over citizens and aims solely at combating the illegal import of mobile devices.

The draft law on amendments to the law "On Electronic Communications", previously approved by the government, provides for the creation of an IMEI code registration and verification system. The document is expected to be submitted to parliament for consideration next.

Galyan emphasized that the new system is aimed at preventing the import of smuggled smartphones and legalizing the mobile device market. She also noted that such initiatives require an increased level of personal data protection.

According to the minister, the authorities are already working on new legislation on personal data protection, which should provide the necessary guarantees of confidentiality and alleviate public concerns about the possible use of the IMEI system for user control.

According to the draft law, after its entry into force, mobile operators will be obliged to check device IMEI codes when providing communication services.