Kazakhstan to Divide Smartphones Into White, Gray and Black Lists

Kazakhstan is preparing new smartphone registration rules that would introduce biometric checks and classify devices according to their legal status, Orda.kz reports.

Under the draft rules, phones would be placed on white, gray or black lists after their origin and IMEI codes are checked against the international GSMA database and Kazakhstan’s state systems.

Biometric authentication would be required when registering a device and connecting its first user to mobile services.

Phones with altered or duplicated IMEI codes, devices reported stolen or illegally imported, and those blacklisted by GSMA or restricted by courts and government agencies could be blocked from cellular networks.

The system would track a device throughout its lifecycle — from manufacture or import to registration, transfer to a new owner, repair and eventual deactivation.

The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development submitted the proposal for public discussion, which will remain open until September 14.

Original author: Alexander Smolin

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