Qualcomm’s DIRBS software launched on Github; stolen devices’ identification made easy

Identification of stolen mobile phones is going to get easier. Enabling this is Qualcomm Technologies, which has shared its Device Identification, Registration, and Blocking System (DIRBS) platform as a freely downloadable open-source software on Github.

Qualcomm Technologies' DIRBS server-based software platform can be used to help identify counterfeit, illegal, and stolen mobile devices in a country. The DIRBS software platform will help regulatory agencies classify devices and generate IMEI-based lists for notification, amnesty, and blocking purposes. Qualcomm has said that the DIRBS has been successfully deployed in Pakistan, and deployments are anticipated in several other markets in the coming months.

“Counterfeit devices are a significant problem worldwide and result in an estimated 45.3 billion EUR in lost sales to genuine manufacturers each year, according to a recent European Union Intellectual Property Office Study issued in February of 2017," said Mohammad Raheel Kamal, Senior Director, IPR Enforcement, Qualcomm Incorporated. "Sharing the DIRBS solution as freely downloadable open-source software will allow the mobile industry to rapidly implement this powerful technology to help address counterfeiting and related issues around the globe."

"Qualcomm is committed to enriching the mobile ecosystem, including assisting regulatory agencies in addressing their needs for security with respect to cellular-enabled devices," said John Han, SVP, Qualcomm Incorporated, and GM, Qualcomm Technology Licensing. "We are excited to share the DIRBS software platform to help enable regulatory agencies to further fight the proliferation of counterfeit, illegal and stolen devices."

The DIRBS server-based software platform will be hosted on the open-source software website Github, and may be freely downloaded and used by any interested parties.