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India.com
2 days ago
- Business
- India.com
E-commerce Giants Remove Walkie-Talkie Listings After Govt Cracks Down On Illegal Sales
New Delhi: Major e-commerce platforms, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, Meta, and Chimiya, have removed several walkie-talkie product listings following new government rules to prevent the illegal sale of radio communication equipment online. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, recently issued detailed guidelines to regulate how such devices are listed and sold on online marketplaces. The move comes in response to rising concerns about unregulated walkie-talkies that can interfere with critical communication networks like those used by police and emergency services. The new rules, titled 'Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025,' were created in consultation with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). They aim to protect consumers and the national communication infrastructure by ensuring only authorised and properly certified equipment is available for sale. Many walkie-talkies previously sold online lacked clear information about the legal need for a wireless operating license. Listings often omitted key technical details such as frequency range, regulatory approvals, or whether the product required a license under laws like the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, or the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. This led to buyers being misled into believing they could freely use such devices without restrictions. Under the new guidelines, online platforms are now required to clearly mention whether a walkie-talkie requires a license, display approved frequency ranges, and provide valid regulatory certifications such as Equipment Type Approval (ETA). Listings that fail to meet these standards must be taken down, and misleading advertisements are strictly prohibited. The CCPA has previously flagged over 16,000 such product listings and issued 13 notices to major platforms for violating consumer protection laws. The new guidelines strengthen enforcement, set out penalties for violations, and hold both sellers and platforms responsible for compliance.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Upload regulatory approval details for wireless devices, govt. tells e-com platforms
The Union government is notifying regulations to mandate e-commerce platforms to provide copies of regulatory approval documentation for wireless devices like WiFi hotspots and walkie-talkies, the Department of Consumer Affairs indicated on Friday in a press release and a notification uploaded to their website. The primary purpose of the notification, the Guidelines for the Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025, dated May 27, is to bolster existing regulations prohibiting the unauthorised sale of wireless electronics — even if they operate in delicensed spectrum, like the airwaves used by WiFi routers. Walkie talkies used by law enforcement in India use spectrum assigned for that purpose in the National Frequency Allocation Plan. 'All e-commerce platforms operating in and outside India but catering to consumers in India' will be subject to the guidelines. Any equipment which supports operations in licensed spectrum, such as in bands used by telecom operators, is prohibited for sale by e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. In fact, even equipment that is operating on delicensed spectrum cannot be imported unless the user obtains an equipment type authorisation (ETA) from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). The guidelines have further expanded the requirements, requiring e-commerce platforms to make all the paperwork leading up to such authorisations — 'For equipment capable of operating in unlicensed frequency bands only, e.g. Wi-Fi hotspots, Bluetooth devices, etc., the product listing shall mention the relevant ETA details issued by DoT, and make a copy of the ETA available for download by the buyer,' the guidelines say. 'The product listing shall also mention the operating frequency range(s) of the equipment and provide a copy of the relevant Test Report of the product issued by an accredited test laboratory for download by the buyer.' ETAs for each product cost ₹10,000, and are issued by the DoT's Wireless Planning and Coordination wing. They are required for several wireless devices imported into India, from gaming controllers to Bluetooth headsets. Many e-commerce websites were found to have cumulatively thousands of listings of walkie-talkies without an ETA or other requisite permissions.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Only walkie-talkies on permitted frequencies, compliant with regulations can be listed for sale online: Centre
NEW DELHI: The Centre has mandated that only walkie-talkie devices operating on permitted frequencies and compliant with Indian regulations can be listed for sale online. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Friday issued the new guidelines to regulate the sale of walkie-talkie devices on e-commerce platforms in India including Amazon, Flipkart and others. According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, walkie-talkies are often sold on e-commerce platforms without clear and mandatory disclosures regarding the requirement for a wireless operating licence or compliance with applicable laws. Many product listings fail to specify whether the device requires a licence from the appropriate authority for use. 'The omission of key details such as frequency range, licensing obligations under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Use of Low Power, Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2018 — along with the potential legal consequences of unauthorized use — misleads consumers into believing that these devices are freely operable by the general public,' the ministry stated in a press release. Under the new guidelines, sellers must clearly disclose the frequency range and technical specifications, and provide proof of regulatory approval, such as Equipment Type Approval (ETA). The CCPA also emphasized that misleading advertisements or product descriptions that misinform consumers about the legal use of such devices are strictly prohibited.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Warning over travel scam catching tourists out ahead of European visa rule change
A NEW travel scam is catching tourists out ahead of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) introduction. Scammers are targeting travellers with fake websites mimicking official application portals and attempting to steal personal data and money , while 2 A number of fake ETIAS websites are catching out travellers Credit: Alamy The scammers are creating fake websites that look like official ETIAS application portals with the aim of getting individuals' Many of the sites charge extra fees for a service that actually doesn't exist yet or for services that are already available on the official ETIAS platform. Some sites guarantee instant approval - which actually is not the case with ETIAS, as applications have to go through They are also spreading misinformation about ETIAS, creating further confusion and causing travellers to panic and apply through different unofficial channels. Read more on ETIAS In addition, scammers can manipulate search engine rankings, which means their websites often appear higher up when travellers search, compared to official channels. According to ABTA warns: "People who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud. "There's a risk of losing money and possibly personal data too." How ETIAS will work when it arrives When ETIAS is active, it will cost about €7 (£5.89) and remain valid for up to three years - or until and individuals' passport nears expiration. Most read in News Travel Travellers will need to share personal details, travel history and reasons for visiting Europe. It will allow short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across [bc_video account_id="5067014667001" application_id="" aspect_ratio="16:9" autoplay="" caption="Insider tips to avoid tourist traps and scams on your next holiday " embed="in-page" experience_id="" height="100%" language_detection="" max_height="360px" max_width="640px" min_width="0px" mute="" padding_top="56%" picture_in_picture="" player_id="default" playlist_id="" playsinline="" sizing="responsive" video_id="6350521755112" video_ids="" width="640px"] Only people aged between 18 and 70 will need to pay the fee. Anyone younger or older must still apply, but will not be charged. Applications MUST be done through the EU's official website - ' However, there is no rush to apply year. Travellers from the UK can still enter EU countries without an ETIAS. How to avoid scams, according to warns to avoid scams, travellers should: Ignore unsolicited emails or ads promoting ETIAS. Avoid unofficial travel websites that charge high fees or request unusual personal details. Bookmark and use the official EU site once ETIAS becomes active. Report suspicious activity to travel authorities or consumer protection agencies. The website adds: "As new travel authorisation systems like the UK's ETA and the EU's upcoming ETIAS reshape border entry rules, clarity and caution are more important than ever. "While only European visitors to the UK currently need to act, travelers to Europe should remain alert — not to red tape, but to rising scams exploiting the confusion. "The ETIAS system won't go live until late 2026, yet fraudulent websites already prey on unaware travellers. "As change looms, one constant remains: informed travel is safer travel. Bookmark official sources, ignore unofficial shortcuts, and keep your passport — and your data protected." No new paperwork is required for this summer or autumn and officials have stressed that no action is currently needed. The official ETIAS system won't actually be live until late 2026. One in five Plus, 2 ETIAS won't actually be live until late 2026 Credit: Alamy
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Centre releases guidelines to prevent illegal sales of walkie-talkies on e-commerce platforms
NEW DELHI: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Friday notified the guidelines to prevent the illegal listing and sale of radio equipment, including walkie-talkies, in India via e-commerce platforms. The 'Prevention and Regulation of Illegal Listing and Sale of Radio Equipment including Walkie Talkies on E-Commerce Platforms, 2025' guidelines have been framed after interministerial consultations between the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). 'These guidelines aim to prevent unauthorized sale, distribution, and use of wireless telegraphy apparatuses including walkie-talkies on e-commerce platforms, ensuring compliance with national telecommunications and security regulations,' the CCPA said. The stoppage of illegal sales of such equipment has been a long-standing demand of the telecom carriers and the broader industry. With the guidelines in place, the DoCA said it aims to enforce penalties and platform liability in case of non-compliance, mandate verification of seller credentials and certification, introduce automated monitoring and takedown mechanisms for unauthorised listing, and drive consumer awareness through disclosures. This comes following the sale of walkie-talkies on e-commerce platforms without mandatory and clear disclosures, including whether a wireless operating license is needed. The omission of details such as frequency range, licensing obligations under the Indian Telegraph Act , 1885, or the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Use of Low Power, Very Low Power Short Range Radio Frequency Devices (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2018 and the potential legal consequences of unauthorised use, misleads consumers into believing that the devices are freely operable. However, the guidelines stipulate that only authorised and compliant walkie-talkie devices operating on permitted frequencies are listed for sale on online platforms, and the product listing will have to specify frequency ranges and other technical parameters and include proof of regulatory approval (equipment type approval). 'Sellers should ensure that equipment listed for sale does not operate on frequencies which are not exempted from requirement of frequency assignment and authorization by DoT and ensure that the frequency bands on product description are clearly labelled,' the CCPA said in its guidelines. The authority, earlier in May, issued 13 notices against 16,970 product listings to leading digital marketplaces against the listing and sale of walkie-talkies on e-commerce platforms without proper frequency disclosure, licensing information, or Equipment Type Approval (ETA), which were in violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
