Amazon, Flipkart & Others Delist Walkie-Talkie After Govt’s Advice
In a significant move, 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 potentially interfere with communication systems used by government bodies.
The guidelines, issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), mandate the sale of walkie-talkies operating within permitted frequency bands. The move aims to ensure that the online sale of radio communication devices is carried out in a responsible and regulated manner.
Walkie-talkies, also known as radio transmitters or walkie-talkie sets, are devices that enable two-way communication over short distances. While they are commonly used for personal or professional purposes, such as in the military, emergency services, or among friends and family, they can also be misused if not sold or used responsibly.
The DoT guidelines aim to prevent the unauthorized sale of walkie-talkies that operate outside permitted frequency bands, which can cause interference with communication systems used by government bodies, including emergency services and defense agencies. The guidelines also seek to ensure that only authorized retailers sell walkie-talkies in India.
The e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and JioMart, have reportedly removed flagged walkie-talkie listings from their websites following the issuance of the guidelines. The move is seen as a proactive step by the platforms to comply with the government’s regulations and avoid any potential legal issues.
The guidelines also specify that only authorized retailers can sell walkie-talkies in India, and that all sales must be accompanied by a certificate of conformity and a user manual. The guidelines also mandate that all walkie-talkie devices sold in India must comply with the Indian Telecommunication Act, 1997, and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.
The decision to delist walkie-talkie listings from their websites is seen as a significant step by the e-commerce platforms to demonstrate their commitment to compliance with government regulations and to ensure that their platforms are not used for illegal activities.
The guidelines are also seen as a positive step by the government to regulate the online sale of radio communication devices, which can have significant implications for national security and public safety.
In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson said that the company is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to the sale of radio communication devices. The spokesperson added that Amazon has removed flagged walkie-talkie listings from its website and will continue to work with the government to ensure that its platform is used responsibly.
Flipkart and Meesho have also issued similar statements, committing to comply with the government’s guidelines and regulations.
The decision to delist walkie-talkie listings from their websites is seen as a significant step by the e-commerce platforms to demonstrate their commitment to compliance with government regulations and to ensure that their platforms are not used for illegal activities.
In conclusion, the decision by Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, and other e-commerce platforms to delist walkie-talkie listings from their websites is a significant step towards ensuring that the online sale of radio communication devices is carried out in a responsible and regulated manner. The guidelines issued by the DoT are a positive step by the government to regulate the online sale of radio communication devices, which can have significant implications for national security and public safety.
