Amazon, Flipkart & Others Delist Walkie-Talkie After Govt’s Advice
In a significant move to prevent unauthorised sale of radio communication devices, several e-commerce giants including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and JioMart have removed flagged walkie-talkie listings from their websites. This decision comes after the Centre issued guidelines for the prevention of unauthorised sale of radio communication devices online, which can potentially interfere with communication systems used by government bodies.
According to the guidelines, the sale of walkie-talkies operating within permitted frequency bands is now mandatory. This move aims to regulate the online sale of radio equipment and prevent the misuse of these devices, which could compromise national security.
The guidelines, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), also mandate that online marketplaces and sellers ensure that the devices they sell are in compliance with the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.
The decision to delist walkie-talkie listings from their websites was taken after the government flagged several online marketplaces for selling radio communication devices that do not comply with the existing norms. The government had issued a notice to these e-commerce platforms, asking them to remove the non-compliant listings from their websites.
Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and JioMart have taken immediate action to comply with the government’s guidelines and have removed the flagged listings from their websites. Myntra, another prominent e-commerce platform, has also taken similar action.
The government’s move to regulate the online sale of radio equipment is a significant step towards ensuring national security and preventing the misuse of these devices. Radio communication devices, including walkie-talkies, are widely used for both personal and professional purposes. However, if not used in compliance with the existing norms, these devices can compromise the security of communication systems used by government bodies.
The guidelines issued by the DoT are aimed at preventing the unauthorised sale of radio communication devices and ensuring that only devices that operate within permitted frequency bands are sold online. The guidelines also mandate that online marketplaces and sellers ensure that the devices they sell have a valid type approval certificate from the DoT.
The government’s move to regulate the online sale of radio equipment has been welcomed by industry experts, who see it as a step towards ensuring the security of communication systems in the country. “The government’s decision to regulate the online sale of radio equipment is a welcome step towards ensuring national security,” said an industry expert. “It is essential that online marketplaces and sellers ensure that the devices they sell are in compliance with the existing norms to prevent the misuse of these devices.”
The government’s guidelines also mandate that online marketplaces and sellers provide accurate information about the devices they sell, including the frequency bands they operate on and the type of device. This move aims to ensure that customers are aware of the capabilities and limitations of the devices they are purchasing.
In conclusion, the decision by Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, and Myntra to delist walkie-talkie listings from their websites is a significant step towards ensuring national security and preventing the misuse of radio communication devices. The government’s guidelines for the prevention of unauthorised sale of radio communication devices online are a welcome move towards regulating the online sale of radio equipment and ensuring the security of communication systems in the country.
