Amazon, Flipkart & others delist walkie-talkie after govt’s advice
In a recent move, 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. The guidelines aim to regulate the sale of walkie-talkies operating within permitted frequency bands, as they can potentially interfere with communication systems used by government bodies.
The guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Communications, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). According to the guidelines, only walkie-talkies operating within the permitted frequency bands (VHF and UHF) will be allowed to be sold online. This move is aimed at preventing the sale of walkie-talkies that can interfere with communication systems used by government bodies, emergency services, and other critical infrastructure.
The guidelines also mandate that e-commerce platforms must ensure that only walkie-talkies from authorized manufacturers and with proper certifications are sold online. Furthermore, the guidelines require e-commerce platforms to display a clear label on the product page indicating the frequency band, power output, and transmission range of the walkie-talkie.
The decision by Amazon, Flipkart, and other e-commerce platforms to delist walkie-talkie listings comes after the government issued a warning to these companies to comply with the guidelines. The government had given e-commerce platforms a deadline of two weeks to remove non-compliant walkie-talkie listings from their websites.
The guidelines issued by the government are a significant step in regulating the online sale of radio communication devices in India. The government’s move is aimed at ensuring that only authorized and certified walkie-talkies are sold online, which will help to prevent interference with critical communication systems.
Walkie-talkies are widely used devices that enable real-time communication over short distances. They are commonly used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics, as well as by individuals for recreational purposes. However, walkie-talkies can also be used to disrupt critical communication systems, which is a major concern for the government.
The government’s decision to regulate the online sale of walkie-talkies is a response to the growing concern over the potential misuse of these devices. The government has been receiving complaints about the sale of unauthorized walkie-talkies that can disrupt communication systems used by government bodies and emergency services.
The guidelines issued by the government are not only aimed at preventing the sale of unauthorized walkie-talkies but also at promoting the use of certified and authorized devices. The government’s move is expected to benefit manufacturers of authorized walkie-talkies, who will be able to sell their products online without facing competition from unauthorized manufacturers.
In conclusion, the decision by Amazon, Flipkart, and other e-commerce platforms to delist walkie-talkie listings from their websites is a significant step in regulating the online sale of radio communication devices in India. The government’s guidelines are aimed at ensuring that only authorized and certified walkie-talkies are sold online, which will help to prevent interference with critical communication systems.
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