In the world of lawful intercept, the innovation of 5G networks presents new challenges for law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Traditionally, IMSI catchers have been vital tools for tracking individuals and aiding in various operations. However, in 5G networks, the transmission of IMSI in plain text over the air has ceased, complicating traditional interception methods.
In the world of lawful intercept, the innovation of 5G networks presents new challenges for law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Traditionally, IMSI catchers have been vital tools for tracking individuals and aiding in various operations. However, in 5G networks, the transmission of IMSI in plain text over the air has ceased, complicating traditional interception methods.
To address this challenge, the 3GPP SA3-LI subgroup has developed an identity association and reporting function. This function, defined in releases 17 and 18, establishes components and interfaces between 5G networks and law enforcement agencies. It allows for the retrieval of IMSI information associated with temporary identities used in 5G networks, ensuring that LEAs can continue to effectively monitor and track individuals.
The Role of Identity Association in 5G
The identity association and reporting function consist of three main components: the Identity Event Function (IEF), the Identity Caching Function (ICF), and the Identity Query Function (IQF). The IEF reports the association between temporary and permanent identities to LEAs, while the ICF stores these associations for a specified duration. The IQF handles requests from and responses to LEAs regarding identity queries, ensuring efficient communication between agencies and network operators.
The implementation of the LIMA 5G Identity lookup offers a solution for LEAs to effectively retrieve IMSI information in 5G networks. With components such as the IQF and ICF, integrated into the LIMA Management System, law enforcement agencies can validate warrants and efficiently handle identity queries. Additionally, the ICF supports an in-memory cache, scalable to accommodate larger networks and cache sizes, ensuring seamless operation in 5G environments.
In conclusion, the development of the identity association and reporting function addresses the challenges posed by 5G networks in lawful interception. By enabling law enforcement agencies to retrieve IMSI information associated with temporary identities, this function ensures that surveillance capabilities remain effective and adaptable in the ever-evolving landscape of telecommunications.
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