CCPA Actions Against Online Platforms
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has initiated a severe crackdown on the online sale of drone and GPS jammers in India. Citing massive national security concerns, the consumer watchdog has effectively halted the unregulated listing of these restricted wireless transmitting devices across multiple prominent e-commerce platforms.
Targeted Platforms and Demands
Notices have been dispatched to major online marketplaces, including IndiaMART, Xboom, Everse, and several robotics and aerospace vendors. The CCPA highlighted that the open sale of these devices poses catastrophic risks, including potential disruptions to civilian communication networks, aviation, and critical infrastructure. The platforms were found to be listing these devices without disclosing mandatory licensing requirements, Equipment Type Approvals (ETA), or Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) certifications.
Strict Disclosure Requirements Imposed
The CCPA has designated these listings as unfair trade practices and misleading advertisements. As a result, the regulatory body is demanding extensive sales data from the platforms. Requirements include details on the source of procurement, copies of regulatory approvals (from DoT, DGFT, MHA), and comprehensive logs of all units sold over the past two years, complete with purchaser details. This move underscores the government’s rigorous stance on restricting unauthorized civilian access to sensitive signal-jamming equipment.
