The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued an advisory to e-commerce entities concerning selling or facilitating sale of wireless jammers to consumers through their e-commerce platforms.
Sale and use of any wireless device without authorization/license under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 or Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act (IWTA) 1933, unless exempted by rules, is illegal. Jammers come under the purview of IWTA, 1933 and the Act lays down that license is required for possession and use of jammers.“To safeguard consumer rights while shopping online, CCPA has also issued an Advisory to all marketplace e-commerce entities to ensure that details of sellers as mandated under sub-rule (5) of rule 6 of the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020 including name and contact number of the grievance officer are provided in a clear and accessible manner, displayed prominently to users on the platform,” read the statement.
As per the guidelines issued by the government, Jammers may be allowed only under exceptional circumstances, only when authorized by Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat.
Earlier, the Department of Telecommunication issued an Advisory on January 21, this year with reference to illegal facilitation and sale of wireless jammers on online platforms. Also, Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has issued a Letter to all e-commerce entities to comply with the rules and regulation laid down by the Government of India against sale and purchase of any kind of mobile jammers.