That's insane. One step short of tagging you with a tracker on entry..  

 IMEI’s could end up being part of a Digital ID system. Australian govt has already passed Digital ID law but it’s not very fleshed out or mandatory at this early stage 

 Okay, how to avoid it?
What solutions can there be?
I can think of a solution for the use of data: use a router with SIM or E-SIM and connect a clean phone via Wi-Fi. What do you think? 

 The surprising thing is that it's being implemented in Kenya before the European Union. Once they find out, they'll implement it here quickly.