Device Identifier API description
API description
The “Device Identifier” API returns details of the physical mobile device currently being used by a given mobile subscriber (identified by their phone number, or the IP address of the device itself). The following information may be provided by the API:
A globally unique network identifier for the specific device itself (IMEI SV and IMEI)
A globally unique identifier for the specific device model (IMEI Type Allocation Code)
A more privacy-friendly pseudonymised identifier (PPID) for the specific device itself that is locally unique to the current network operator and does not allow the physical device to be tracked between network operators
The manufacturer name and manufacturer model name for the device
Note that many legal jurisdictions consider at least some of these physical device identifiers to be personal information, and hence the consent of the device user must be obtained before these identifiers can be provided by the API.
Note:
The updated graphic should show a call centre worker for an insurance company remotely retrieving the IMEI of a customer’s mobile device for the purposes of providing an insurance quote and then insuring that specific phone.
Use Cases
This information can be useful in numerous use cases, such as the following:
Mobile Device Insurance: Automatically identify the mobile device to be insured, and confirm that the device is not still being used by a customer making a claim
Service Delivery Optimisation: Optimise content for a particular mobile device or operating system
Authentication and Authorisation: Confirm that a customer is in possession of a given mobile device, perhaps requiring its use through device binding
Fraud Prevention: Detect fraudulent traffic, such as traffic originating from new devices following SIM theft, or advertising clicks originating from bot traffic
Device Management: Managing and tracking devices within an organization, ensuring that only authorized devices are used
Customer Support: Providing accurate mobile device information to customer support teams for troubleshooting and assistance
Network Optimization: Optimizing network performance by identifying and managing different mobile device models and their capabilities
See also at GSMA:
Fraud Detection in mobile Insurance Claims: Fraud Detection in mobile Insurance Claims
Seamless Authentication for Device Binding: Seamless Authentication for Device Binding
Account Takeover Protection: Account Takeover Protection
Detection of Bot Traffic: Detection of Bot Traffic
Asset Tracking and Protection: Asset Tracking and Protection
Benefits
Identification of Devices: Allows the physical mobile device being used by a customer to be identified by an organisation
This information can be used to:
Improve Customer Service
Reduce Fraud Risk
Optimise Organisation Operations