Existing challenges and solutions on combating counterfeiting of ICT devices (Episode 1)

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is organizing a series of webinars on Combating counterfeiting and stolen ICT devices.
The Episode 1: “Existing challenges and solutions on combating counterfeiting of ICT devices”, will take 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 will provide overview of existing issues and challenges on circulation of counterfeit ICT devices that different stakeholders face for the time being. It will shed light on the existing solutions and ongoing standardization activities. The implementations of relevant ITU-T Recommendations will be also highlighted at the Webinar. The Q/A session will follow the presentations.

Target Audience

Participation in the Webinar is 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 wishes to contribute to the work. This includes 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 is free of charge and no fellowships will be granted. The Webinar will be held fully virtually and in English only.