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 Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), mandate the sale of walkie-talkies operating within permitted frequency bands. The move is aimed at regulating the online sale of radio equipment, including walkie-talkies, to prevent unauthorized use and potential disruptions to critical communication systems.
According to the guidelines, the sale of walkie-talkies is only permitted to authorized users, such as security agencies, emergency services, and industrial establishments, for legitimate purposes. The government has also specified strict conditions for the sale of these devices, including the requirement for sellers to obtain necessary permits and licenses.
The guidelines have been issued in response to concerns over the unauthorized sale of walkie-talkies, which can potentially disrupt communication systems used by government bodies, emergency services, and other critical infrastructure. The devices, if not used properly, can cause interference with official communication systems, leading to disruptions and potential harm to public safety.
The e-commerce platforms, in compliance with the government’s guidelines, have removed listings of walkie-talkies that did not meet the specified requirements. The move is seen as a significant step towards ensuring the security and integrity of India’s communication systems.
“Online marketplaces have a crucial role to play in ensuring compliance with government guidelines and regulations. We appreciate the efforts of Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and JioMart in removing flagged walkie-talkie listings from their websites,” said a senior government official.
The development is significant, as it marks a major step towards regulating the online sale of radio equipment in India. The government’s move is aimed at preventing the misuse of walkie-talkies and ensuring that these devices are used only for legitimate purposes.
The guidelines have been issued under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, which require online intermediaries to comply with government regulations and guidelines. The rules also mandate online intermediaries to remove content that is illegal or harmful, and to take down listings of products that do not meet specified requirements.
The government’s move has been welcomed by experts, who see it as a significant step towards ensuring the security and integrity of India’s communication systems. “The government’s guidelines are a welcome move, as they will help prevent the misuse of walkie-talkies and ensure that these devices are used only for legitimate purposes,” said a senior industry expert.
The development is also significant, as it marks a major shift in the way online marketplaces operate in India. The government’s move is aimed at ensuring that e-commerce platforms comply with government regulations and guidelines, and that they take responsibility for the content and products listed on their platforms.
In conclusion, the decision by Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, and others to remove flagged walkie-talkie listings from their websites is a significant step towards ensuring the security and integrity of India’s communication systems. The government’s guidelines have been issued to prevent the unauthorized sale of radio communication devices online, and to ensure that these devices are used only for legitimate purposes.
