The
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) organized a series of webinars on
Combating counterfeiting and stolen ICT devices.
The
Episode 1:
“Existing challenges and solutions on combating counterfeiting of ICT devices”, took place fully virtually on
15 February 2023 (1500-1700 hours, Geneva time).
There has been growing usage of information and communications technology (ICT) equipment in people's daily lives in recent years, but there have also been unwelcome side effects related to the increase in the sale, circulation and use of counterfeit ICT devices in the market.
“A counterfeit ICT device is a product that explicitly infringes the trademark, copies hardware or software designs, or infringes brand or packaging rights of an original or authentic product and, in general, infringes applicable national and/or international technical standards, regulatory requirements or conformity processes, manufacturing licensing agreements, or other applicable legal requirements” (Source: ITU-T Q.5050).
Among the various types of ICT devices used today, smartphones and other mobile devices have become pervasive and desirable items amongst the world population and, as a side effect, have also raised the attention of the global black/grey market. This results in adverse consequences for stakeholders such as users, network operators, genuine device manufacturers, traders and governments, including decreased security protection and quality of service for users and revenue losses to a range of stakeholders.
ITU-T SG11 developed number of standards which different stakeholders are encouraged to consider when deploying solutions to combat the circulation and use of counterfeit ICT devices.
Objectives
The Webinar provided overview of existing issues and challenges on circulation of counterfeit ICT devices that different stakeholders face for the time being. It shed light on the existing solutions and ongoing standardization activities. The implementations of relevant ITU-T Recommendations were also highlighted at the Webinar. The Q/A session followed the presentations.
Target Audience
Participation in the Webinar was open to ITU Member States, Sector Members, Associates and Academic Institutions and to any individual from a country that is a member of ITU, who wished to contribute to the work. This included individuals who are also members of international, regional and national organizations, interested stakeholders, including telecom operators, regulators, SDOs and financial institutes. Participation in the Webinar was free of charge and no fellowships was granted. The Webinar was held fully virtually and in English only.
Resources:
Programme
15:00 - 15:10
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Opening Remarks
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15:10 - 16:40
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Session 1: Overview of key challenges, best practice, measures and standardization activities on combating counterfeiting
The session provided an overview of existing issues and challenges on circulation of counterfeit ICT devices that different stakeholders face for the time being. It shed light on the existing solutions and ongoing standardization activities, including the implementations of relevant ITU-T Recommendations.
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Biren Karmakar, Group Leader, C-DOT, India:"Key challenges faced by India on circulation of counterfeit ICT devices and key measures to address this issue" [Presentation]
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James Kunle Olorundare, Principal Manager, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Nigerian Communications Commission:
"Overview of key challenges, best practice, measures and standardization activities on combating counterfeiting" [Presentation]
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Evgeny
Zababurin, International Business Development Director, SC.Soft, Kazahstan: "Industry solutions to support combating counterfeiting"
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Gajendran Venkatesh, Head of Business Development, R&S, Germany: "Conformance assessment methods to combat counterfeit mobile phones" [Presentation]
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João Alexandre Moncaio Zanon,
Regulatory Specialist, ANATEL, Brazil: "Overview of ITU-T activities on combating counterfeiting, including approved ITU-T Recommendations and ongoing activities" [Presentation]
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16:40 – 16:55
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Q&A session
The session was open discussion among all participants attended the event.
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