Mobile Device Theft Deterrence Act of 2013

“515. Altering or removing unique mobile device equipment identification numbers

“(a) Definitions—In this section—

“(1) the term manufacturer means a person who has lawfully obtained the right to assign a mobile device equipment identification number to a mobile device before the initial sale of the mobile device; and

“(2) the term unique mobile device equipment identification number means—

“(A) an international mobile equipment identity number;

“(B) electronic serial number; or

“(C) any other number or signal—

“(i) that identifies a specific mobile wireless communications device; and

“(ii) has the same function and purposes as a number described in subparagraph (A) or (B).

“(b) Prohibition—Except as provided in subsection (d), it shall be unlawful to—

“(1) knowingly remove, obliterate, tamper with, or alter a mobile device identification number; or

“(2) knowingly use, produce, traffic in, have control or custody of, or possess hardware or software, knowing it has been configured to engage in the conduct described in paragraph (1).

“(c) Penalty—Any person who violates subsection (b) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.

“(d) Exception—Subsection (b) shall not apply to the manufacturer of a mobile device, a person that engineers, tests, repairs, or refurbishes a mobile device, or a person that implements technologies for the purpose of protecting the security and privacy of mobile device end users while allowing the transmission of the mobile device identification number to service providers, unless the manufacturer or person knows that the mobile device or part involved is stolen.”