Amazon, Flipkart & Others Delist Walkie-Talkie After Govt’s Advice
In a significant move, online e-commerce giants Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, and others have removed flagged walkie-talkie listings from their websites. This decision comes after the Centre issued guidelines for the prevention of unauthorized sale of radio communication devices online, which can interfere with communication systems used by government bodies.
The guidelines, issued by the Ministry of Communications, mandate the sale of walkie-talkies operating within permitted frequency bands. The move is aimed at preventing the misuse of these devices, which can disrupt the functioning of critical communication systems, such as those used by emergency services, defense forces, and other government agencies.
Walkie-talkies, also known as handheld transceivers, are used for communication over short distances. While they are commonly used in various settings, including construction sites, event management, and outdoor activities, they can also be exploited for malicious purposes.
The guidelines issued by the Centre specify that only walkie-talkies operating within the frequency bands allocated by the government can be sold online. This means that devices operating on frequencies not allocated by the government will be considered illegal and will be removed from online marketplaces.
In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson said, “We have removed the listed products from our platform to ensure compliance with the guidelines issued by the government.” Flipkart, another leading e-commerce player, also confirmed that it has removed all flagged walkie-talkie listings from its platform.
Meesho, a popular online marketplace, also took similar steps, stating that it has removed all non-compliant walkie-talkie listings from its platform. JioMart, the e-commerce arm of Reliance Jio, also confirmed that it has removed all flagged walkie-talkie listings from its platform.
The guidelines issued by the Centre are a significant step towards regulating the online sale of radio communication devices. The move is aimed at preventing the misuse of these devices, which can have serious consequences, including disruption of critical communication systems and potential security risks.
The guidelines also specify that online marketplaces must ensure that all walkie-talkie listings on their platforms comply with the regulations. This means that marketplaces will need to conduct regular checks to ensure that all listed products are compliant with the guidelines.
The move by the Centre is also seen as a step towards ensuring the safety and security of citizens. Walkie-talkies can be used to intercept and intercept communication signals, which can compromise national security. By regulating the online sale of these devices, the government is taking steps to prevent the misuse of these devices.
In conclusion, the decision by Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, and other online marketplaces to remove flagged walkie-talkie listings from their platforms is a significant step towards regulating the online sale of radio communication devices. The guidelines issued by the Centre are aimed at preventing the misuse of these devices, which can have serious consequences, including disruption of critical communication systems and potential security risks.
