Amazon, Flipkart & others delist walkie-talkie after govt’s advice
In a significant move, leading e-commerce platforms such as 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 Ministry of Communications, mandate the sale of walkie-talkies operating within permitted frequency bands. The move aims to prevent misuse of these devices, which can disrupt critical communication systems used by government agencies, emergency services, and other essential services.
The guidelines specifically prohibit the sale of walkie-talkies that operate on frequencies used by government agencies, such as the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard. The Ministry has also asked e-commerce platforms to ensure that only walkie-talkies that meet the Indian Telegraph Act and the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) norms are sold online.
In response to the guidelines, e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho have taken swift action to delist flagged walkie-talkie listings from their platforms. This move is seen as a proactive step to comply with the government’s regulations and avoid any potential legal consequences.
The guidelines are aimed at preventing the misuse of radio communication devices, which can have serious consequences for national security and public safety. The Ministry has emphasized that only authorized dealers and manufacturers can sell walkie-talkies, and e-commerce platforms must ensure that only licensed dealers are selling these devices.
The e-commerce industry has welcomed the move, citing the need for stricter regulations to prevent unauthorized sales of radio communication devices. Industry experts believe that the guidelines will help to create a more responsible and regulated online market for radio communication devices.
“This is a welcome move by the government to ensure that only authorized dealers sell walkie-talkies online,” said a spokesperson for Flipkart. “We will continue to work closely with the government to ensure that our platform is compliant with all regulatory requirements.”
Amazon India has also confirmed that it has delisted flagged walkie-talkie listings from its platform. “We take the sale of radio communication devices online very seriously and will continue to work with the government to ensure that our platform is compliant with all regulatory requirements,” said an Amazon spokesperson.
Meesho, a popular online marketplace, has also removed flagged walkie-talkie listings from its platform. “We are committed to ensuring that our platform is compliant with all regulatory requirements and will continue to work with the government to prevent unauthorized sales of radio communication devices,” said a Meesho spokesperson.
The guidelines have also been welcomed by industry associations, which have emphasized the need for stricter regulations to prevent misuse of radio communication devices. “The guidelines are a step in the right direction to prevent unauthorized sales of radio communication devices online,” said a spokesperson for the Retailers Association of India.
The move is seen as a significant step towards creating a more responsible and regulated online market for radio communication devices. The government’s guidelines have set a precedent for other industries, highlighting the need for stricter regulations to prevent misuse of critical infrastructure.
In conclusion, the delisting of walkie-talkie listings by Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and others is a significant move towards creating a more responsible and regulated online market for radio communication devices. The government’s guidelines have set a precedent for other industries, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations to prevent misuse of critical infrastructure.
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