If you blindly trust online shopping, beware. Illegal walkie-talkies have been discovered being sold on major websites like Amazon and Flipkart. Following a government investigation, crores of rupees in fines and stern warnings have exposed the reality of e-commerce.

CCPA Fine On Amazon Flipkart: In today's digital age, we've become accustomed to ordering everything, big or small, online. From clothes, mobile phones, gadgets, and everyday items, everything is delivered to your home with just a click. But have you ever considered that the websites you trust might also sell something illegal? A recent case calls this trust into question, revealing the sale of illegal walkie-talkies on major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.

How the whole matter came to light

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) took cognizance of the matter and launched an investigation. The investigation found that several e-commerce websites were selling walkie-talkies, or personal mobile radio devices, without the necessary licenses and permissions. Surprisingly, approximately 16,970 such products were listed, clearly violating government regulations.

Heavy fines imposed on companies

Taking a tough stand on this serious negligence, the CCPA imposed a total fine of ₹4.4 million on eight companies. Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, and Meta (Facebook Marketplace) were fined ₹10 lakh each. JioMart, Chimia, Talk Pro, and Maskman Toys were fined ₹1 lakh each.

Violation of consumer rights

Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare stated that these platforms not only ignored regulations but also violated consumer rights by providing misleading information. She also clarified that some companies have paid the fines, while others are still awaiting payment.

What does Indian law say?

In India, only walkie-talkies that operate in the 446.0 to 446.2 MHz frequency range are permitted for use without a license. Furthermore, each device must have an ETA (Equipment Type Approval) certificate. However, an investigation found that most devices sold online operated at frequencies outside this range and lacked the required certification.

The argument that 'we are just middlemen' is rejected

When companies were asked to respond, some platforms tried to shirk responsibility by claiming they were merely intermediaries, claiming that the products were sold by third-party sellers. However, the CCPA rejected this argument outright and stated clearly that platforms that promote such products cannot shirk responsibility.

Why is this matter serious?

This is not just a matter of violating the rules, but a major national security issue. Unauthorized radio devices can interfere with the communication networks of police, disaster management, and emergency services. This poses a direct threat to public order and national security.

The government's next step

To prevent such incidents in the future, the government has issued the Radio Equipment Sales Rules 2025. E-commerce companies will now be required to conduct their own audits and ensure that every walkie-talkie sold on their websites complies with all government regulations and frequency standards.

One thing is clear from this entire matter: when shopping online, relying solely on the price or offer is not the right thing to do. Before purchasing any electronic or radio device, be sure to inquire about its legal standards and certifications, so you don't have to face consequences later.

 PC:News24