IMEI allows tracking the phone if the user changes SIM card, so it is harmful. It is also available to any application to identify the phone. That is why it sho

IMEI allows tracking the phone if the user changes SIM card, so it is harmful. It is also available to any application to identify the phone. That is why it should be randomly changed. As for recovering stolen phones, nobody does this. Also, it is possible that criminals know the ways to modify it anyway. As I am aware, there are proprietary software for unlocking Android phones locked with theft prevention. This software can be rent on a pay-per-hour basis. Maybe they have software for IMEI editing as well. And even if changing IMEI is not possible, the criminals will rather sell the stolen phone for parts, than return to the owner. In Russia there are plans to create an "IMEI database", so that when you buy a SIM card, you must specify the IMEI of the phone it will be used in. > Much as I'd prefer otherwise, a given phone probably maps pretty closely with an individual or small group (family, household, business location / work crew, etc.). If you buy a SIM card without a passport, pay with cash and use it for Internet access, it is mostly anonymous.