NewKerala.com

Centre Cracks Down on 6 E-Commerce Sites for Selling Illegal Drone Jammers

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued notices to six e-commerce platforms for listing and selling restricted wireless devices like drone and GPS jammers. The sale allegedly violates the Consumer Protection Act, telecom laws, and import regulations that restrict such equipment to authorized government agencies. The platforms have been asked to provide detailed procurement information, import licenses, and sales data from the past two years. This action follows an earlier advisory and highlights the legal risks for e-commerce entities that fail to verify statutory authorizations for controlled items.

Key Points: E-Commerce Sites Noticed for Selling Restricted Drone, GPS Jammers

  • Notices to 6 e-commerce firms
  • Sale of restricted drone/GPS jammers
  • Violation of Consumer Protection Act
  • Equipment for govt agencies only
  • Potential legal penalties
2 min read

Centre sends notices to 6 e-commerce platforms over selling restricted drone and GPS jammers

CCPA issues notices to six online platforms for allegedly selling illegal anti-drone systems and GPS jammers, violating telecom and consumer laws.

"Import of such restricted equipment is governed under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 - Ministry of Consumer Affairs"

New Delhi, Feb 20

The Central Consumer Protection Authority on Friday said it has issued notices to six e-commerce platforms for listing and offering for sale restricted wireless transmitting devices including drones.

The six e-commerce entities are Everse, IndiaMart, Xboom, Javiat Aerospace, AirONE Robotics and Maveric Drones & Technologies Pvt Ltd.

The online entities sold "Anti-Drone Systems", "Drone Jammers" and "GPS Jammers", in an alleged violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and other applicable telecom and trade control laws, said Ministry of Consumer Affairs in a statement.

According to the statement, drone jammers and signal jamming equipment are regulated under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and are subject to strict licensing and regulatory control by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC).

The CCPA has directed the concerned entities to furnish detailed information, including the source of procurement/import along with copies of import licences, invoices and related documents; copies of regulatory approvals/authorisations; legal basis for offering the restricted equipment for commercial sale; and number of units sold during the preceding two years along with complete purchaser details, among others.

"Import of such restricted equipment is governed under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992 and applicable DGFT notifications. Such equipment is ordinarily permitted only to authorised Government agencies and law enforcement authorities, subject to statutory approvals," said the statement.

The CCPA had earlier issued an advisory to e-commerce entities against illegal sale and facilitation of wireless jammers.

Under Rule 4 of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, marketplace entities are required to exercise due diligence and ensure compliance with applicable laws.

Hosting or facilitating sale of restricted jamming equipment without verifying statutory authorisation may also attract penal consequences under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and relevant provisions of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
I'm surprised these were even available for sale online! This is serious national security equipment. The platforms should face heavy fines for such negligence.
A
Aman W
While I agree with the crackdown, I hope this doesn't stifle legitimate drone innovation and businesses. The rules should be clear so startups know what's allowed.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows tech news, this is a global issue. India is right to enforce its laws. GPS jammers can disrupt critical infrastructure like aviation. Safety first!
V
Vikram M
Who was buying these? That's the real question. The authorities need to track down the purchasers as well. This is more important than just penalising the sellers.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, this action feels a bit reactive. The advisory was issued earlier, but enforcement seems slow. We need proactive monitoring to prevent such listings in the first place.
N
Nisha Z
Good move! With drone threats becoming real, we can't have such sensitive equipment floating around in the open market. Hope they plug all loopholes. 👍

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50