Clampdown on E-Commerce: CCPA Targets Unauthorized Walkie-Talkie Sales

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken action against e-commerce platforms for listing unauthorized walkie-talkies, citing violations of consumer protection and telecom laws. Penalties totaling Rs 44 lakh were imposed on several platforms like Meesho and Amazon. New guidelines aim to enforce compliance and protect national security.

In a significant regulatory move, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has launched a suo motu action against e-commerce platforms for listing unauthorized walkie-talkies, contravening the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and telecom regulations.

Eight entities have faced penalties totaling Rs 44 lakh, with companies like Meesho, Meta Platforms (Facebook Marketplace), Flipkart, and Amazon bearing the major brunt. The issue came to light after 16,970 non-compliant product listings were identified, leading to CCPA's intervention.

The CCPA's crackdown highlights concerns over national security, emphasizing the potential risks unauthorized radio devices pose to critical communication networks. New guidelines have been mandated to enforce compliance and ensure that platforms undertake self-audits to prevent such violations.

(With inputs from agencies.)