Motorola is disabling Android phones purchased through unauthorized sellers in Mexico

No_@lemm.ee to Android@lemmy.world – 187 points –
Motorola is disabling Android phones purchased through unauthorized sellers in Mexico
9to5google.com
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Devices purchased abroad for use in Mexico, though, will apparently not be disabled

How do they know where they purchased it?

Imei

That might say where the phone is intended to be sold, not where they purchased. As I understood it, Motorola wants to ban foreign phones purchased in Mexico. How can they differentiate them from foreign phones purchased abroad?

Different internal model number?

That says where the phone is intended to be sold, not where it's purchased. As I understood it, Motorola wants to ban foreign phones purchased in Mexico. How can they differentiate them from foreign phones purchased abroad?

When a phone is sold the unique number is submitted. This number is going to come from authorized dealer or an unauthorized dealer.

If a dealer in California submits that IME number, then they can differentiate that from a dealer in Mexico.