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Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan has denied allegations that the introduction of a nationwide IMEI registration system is aimed at placing the public under surveillance.
The Cabinet last week approved the introduction of a nationwide IMEI registration system aimed at regulating the mobile phone market and curbing the circulation of illegally imported devices as part of efforts to crack down on the mobile phone black market.
The move proved controversial, with some alleging that the real motive behind the new system is to establish surveillance.
Speaking at a press briefing, Galyan reiterated that the purpose of introducing the system is to prevent the illegal import of mobile phones into the country.
“A high standard of personal data protection must be ensured in all such cases, and we are currently working on drafting new personal data protection legislation. I believe that all your concerns should be addressed. We should return to the purpose of the bill. Its objective is absolutely not to place anyone under surveillance, but simply to prevent the illegal import of mobile phones into the Republic of Armenia,” Galyan told reporters.
The mechanism is expected to enter into force on January 1, 2027.