ANALISIS YURIDIS PERLINDUNGAN KONSUMEN TERHADAP PRAKTIK PEREDARAN IMEI TELEPON SELULER TIDAK TERDAFTAR DITINJAU DARI UU NO 8 TAHUN 1999 TENTANG PERLINDUNGAN KONSUMEN

The rapid development of communication technology in Indonesia has significantly increased the circulation of mobile phones, including the widespread practice of selling and purchasing devices with illegal International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers. This phenomenon not only violates technical regulations in the telecommunications sector but also creates tangible legal consequences for consumers. These consequences include device blocking and loss of access to cellular networks, which affect consumers’ ability to use the product as intended. This study aims to identify the legal protection mechanisms available to consumers who suffer losses as a result. Using a purely normative legal research method, this study employs statutory and conceptual approaches, supported by the analysis of primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials. The findings reveal that such agreements violate the requirement of lawful cause (causa halal) under Article 1320 of the Indonesian Civil Code, rendering them null and void by operation of law. Furthermore, business actors who engage in the sale of phones with illegal IMEI numbers are deemed to have violated their obligations to act in good faith and to provide accurate and honest information, as regulated in Articles 7 and 8 of Law Number 8 of 1999 concerning Consumer Protection. Consumers affected by such unlawful transactions are legally entitled to compensation and may seek redress through formal dispute resolution institutions. This study highlights the need for stronger regulatory enforcement and emphasizes the importance of consumer legal literacy to foster greater vigilance in digital transactions.