At a time when tensions between India and Pakistan remain delicate, the Indian government has raised a red flag over the online sale of unregulated walkie-talkie devices. Thirteen e-commerce platforms—including big names like Amazon, Flipkart, and Meesho—are now facing official heat for hosting and enabling the sale of these communication tools without proper licenses or approvals.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued formal notices to these platforms, accusing them of allowing the sale of wireless devices that bypass key regulatory checks. The issue isn’t just bureaucratic—authorities believe such devices could compromise national security, especially in volatile border conditions.
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The platforms in the crosshairs include a mix of mainstream marketplaces and lesser-known sellers: Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, OLX, TradeIndia, Facebook, Indiamart, Jiomart, VardaanMart, Krishnamart, Chimiya, Talk Pro Walie Talkie, and MaskMan Toys.
According to the government, the offending walkie-talkies were being sold without disclosing critical information such as their operating frequencies, equipment certifications, or even basic licensing details. This, officials say, is a direct violation of the Consumer Protection Act of 2019. But that’s not all—the infractions also run afoul of the Indian Telegraph Act and the Wireless Telegraphy Act.
Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi weighed in on the issue as well, warning in a post that selling such non-compliant wireless gear isn’t just a regulatory misstep—it could actively undermine security operations across the country.
Preliminary findings paint a troubling picture: Amazon alone had 467 such listings, while Flipkart had 314. Meesho and TradeIndia weren’t far behind, with 489 and 423 listings respectively—suggesting this isn’t a one-off problem, but a widespread oversight.
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The CCPA’s move signals a broader clampdown on digital marketplaces that have often operated in grey areas when it comes to tech hardware and communication tools. The message is clear: platforms need to take responsibility not just for the products they sell—but also for the consequences.
