Amid rising digital commerce in India, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has hit eight e-commerce giants with a ₹44 lakh fine for illegal walkie-talkie sales. This crackdown underscores a national security threat from unauthorized devices, making it a critical update for consumers and platforms alike.
Just hours ago from New Delhi, the CCPA targeted Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Meta (Facebook Marketplace), and others for flouting telecom laws. Over 16,970 non-compliant listings were uncovered, operating on unauthorized frequencies beyond the legal 446.0–446.2 MHz band.
CCPA's Swift Action on Violations
The investigation exposed severe lapses. Platforms sold walkie-talkies without mandatory Equipment Type Approval (ETA) certificates or frequency compliance, breaching the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
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Penalties Breakdown: ₹10 lakh each on Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and Meta; ₹1 lakh each on Chimia, Jiomart, Talk Pro, and Maskman Toys.
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Sales Scale: Flipkart moved 65,931 units with faulty details; Amazon sold 2,602 from Jan 2023 to May 2025; Meesho had 2,209 from one seller; Facebook Marketplace listed 710 illegally.
Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare noted that Meesho, Meta, and others have paid up, with the rest pending. This isn't just about fines—it's a wake-up call on illegal walkie-talkie sales disrupting emergency networks.
National Security at Stake
Unauthorized devices risk interfering with police radios, disaster response, and government ops. CCPA Chief Mandates Reddy warned: "These gadgets pose a direct threat to public safety." In today's geo-political climate, with border tensions, such lapses can't be ignored—illegal walkie-talkie sales could aid unauthorized surveillance or jamming.
Platforms argued they were mere "intermediaries," but CCPA dismissed it. E-commerce firms must actively scan listings using tech, not just host them.
New E-Commerce Guidelines 2025: Key Takeaways
Consulted with DoT and Home Ministry, these rules mandate:
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Pre-listing checks for ETA and frequency compliance.
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Clear consumer warnings on licensing.
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Ban on misleading ads.
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AI-driven detection of illegal radio gear.
For sellers, this means stricter due diligence; for buyers, safer shopping. Experts like telecom analyst Rajiv Singh predict fewer violations but higher compliance costs for giants like Amazon and Flipkart.
This timely action aligns with India's push for secure digital markets amid booming online sales. It protects consumers from faulty gear while safeguarding national interests. Platforms must adapt fast—or face steeper penalties. As e-commerce grows, will these guidelines curb illegal walkie-talkie sales for good?
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