Hack Your Phone, Go to Jail

thodu writes: "This bill [Mobile Telephones (Re-Programming)] in the UK aims to make it illegal for anyone to change a GSM phone's IMEI number. Though the intention in this case is seemingly for the good (to track and prevent stolen phones from being used), the line between legitimate mods and illegal hacks is increasingly becoming blurred. What next - a bill to disallow modifying your PC ?"

Comments

What's the problem?

[zerosignal]

Are there any legitimate reasons for changing a phone's IMEI? It's like changing the vehicle identication code on the chassis of a car.

As long as they don't make it illegal to unlock phones from a particular network I don't see the problem.

Re:Consumer's rights

[smellmyfart]

There is a difference between this law and what you are talking about. You can modify your car completely but can you change your VIN number or license plate number with out notifying the proper authorities? No. This law isn't any different. I think there are some laws about hacking cells that seem unfair to me (can't remember what they are). I don't even think you can change a VIN number.