Amazon, Flipkart & Others Delist Walkie-Talkie After Govt’s Advice
In a significant move to prevent unauthorised sale of radio communication devices 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 unauthorised sale of radio communication devices online, as they can 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 regulations aim to ensure that only certified and authorised walkie-talkies are sold online, preventing the sale of devices that can potentially disrupt the functioning of critical communication systems.
Walkie-talkies, also known as two-way radios, are popular devices used for personal and professional communication. However, with the increasing use of these devices, there have been concerns about their potential to interfere with communication systems used by government bodies, emergency services, and other critical infrastructure.
The DoT guidelines state that all radio equipment, including walkie-talkies, must be certified by the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The guidelines also specify that only devices operating within permitted frequency bands can be sold online.
In response to the guidelines, e-commerce platforms have taken swift action to delist flagged walkie-talkie listings from their websites. Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and JioMart have all removed the flagged listings, ensuring that only certified and authorised walkie-talkies are available for sale online.
The move is seen as a significant step towards regulating the online sale of radio communication devices and preventing any potential disruptions to critical communication systems. The DoT guidelines are aimed at ensuring that only genuine and certified radio equipment is sold online, and that online marketplaces take responsibility for ensuring the authenticity of the products they sell.
The decision to delist walkie-talkie listings has been welcomed by industry experts and consumer advocates, who have long been concerned about the potential risks associated with the unauthorised sale of radio communication devices online. The move is seen as a step towards creating a more responsible and regulated online marketplace, where consumers can trust that the products they buy are genuine and certified.
The DoT guidelines are also expected to have a positive impact on the overall quality of radio equipment available online. By mandating the sale of certified and authorised devices, the guidelines will help to ensure that consumers are buying high-quality products that meet international standards.
In addition to the DoT guidelines, the government has also launched a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of using certified and authorised radio equipment. The campaign aims to educate consumers about the potential risks associated with the unauthorised sale of radio communication devices online and the importance of buying only certified and authorised devices.
The decision to delist walkie-talkie listings from e-commerce platforms is a significant step towards creating a more responsible and regulated online marketplace. By working together with e-commerce platforms and other stakeholders, the government can ensure that only certified and authorised radio equipment is sold online, preventing any potential disruptions to critical communication systems.
