Myanmar’s military junta has announced the introduction of a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system requiring the registration of mobile device identification numbers, a move that has raised concerns among technology experts about potential surveillance of civilians.
According to an announcement issued on March 5, all International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of mobile devices used in the country must be registered under the new system.
An IMEI number is a unique identification code assigned by manufacturers to mobile devices such as smartphones.
The Ministry of Information said the system aims to prevent stolen, lost, or counterfeit phones that do not meet regulatory standards from being used on mobile operator networks by maintaining a database of registered IMEI numbers.
However, technology analysts say the system could also enable authorities to expand monitoring capabilities.
An observer from the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP) said similar systems are used in many countries but are typically regulated under legal frameworks that protect user data.
“This system exists in several countries, but the purpose of its use may differ. The main issue in our country is the lack of legal safeguards governing how the data should be handled. Normally, such systems operate under laws that regulate data protection and confidentiality,” the observer said.
“Under military rule, however, the system could be used to intercept phone communications or track people’s locations, which may lead to human rights violations,” the observer added.
Under the new requirement, mobile users must submit their IMEI numbers through a government website along with personal information, including their name, national identification number, residential address, and phone number.
Since SIM cards in Myanmar are already registered using national identification numbers, combining SIM registration data with IMEI records could allow authorities to identify the individual using a specific device, according to MIP.
The group also noted that mobile phones typically connect to multiple nearby cellular towers. By using a triangulation method, authorities could more accurately determine a user’s location.
The junta said people who already own mobile phones must complete the registration by March 31. Those who fail to do so may have their phone and internet services suspended, while late registration could result in fines.
A mobile phone user, Ma Cho Khine, said many people remain unclear about the details of the policy.
“We only know that we have to register our phones. If we don’t, they said the service will be cut off. That is all we know,” she said.
MIP also warned that the IMEI registration system would create a large database containing personal information of mobile phone users, which could become a target for cyberattacks.
If the system were breached due to security vulnerabilities, the data could be sold on black markets and potentially lead to financial fraud or identity theft, the group said.
