Flipkart, Meta fined for misleading walkie-talkie listings
What's the story
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a fine of ₹10 lakh each on e-commerce giants Flipkart and Meta Platforms. The penalty comes for allowing the sale and promotion of walkie-talkie devices on their platforms without necessary regulatory disclosures and approvals. This is part of a wider crackdown by the CCPA against e-commerce marketplaces violating consumer protection rules.
Previous penalties
CCPA's action against other platforms
The CCPA's action isn't limited to Flipkart and Meta. It had previously fined Meesho ₹10 lakh on December 4 for unauthorized walkie-talkie listings. Other companies like Reliance JioMart, Talk Pro (Iconet Services Pvt. Ltd), The MaskMan Toys and Chimiya were also fined ₹1 lakh each for selling such devices without the required clearances.
Compliance failure
Flipkart and Meta's regulatory oversight
The CCPA found that both Flipkart and Facebook Marketplace (owned by Meta) listed walkie-talkies without proper information about licensing requirements under the Indian Telegraph Act. These included spectrum and frequency restrictions, as well as mandatory equipment type approval (ETA) from the wireless planning and coordination (WPC) wing of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
Product listings
Flipkart allowed several walkie-talkie listings
The CCPA noted that Flipkart allowed several walkie-talkie listings that either didn't have ETA certification details or didn't specify if a license was required for legal use in India. Even when products were marked "out of stock" or "unavailable," the listings remained visible with ratings and reviews, possibly misleading consumers into thinking these products were legal and freely saleable.
Platform responsibility
Meta's role in walkie-talkie listings
Meta was also fined for allowing walkie-talkie listings on Facebook Marketplace without proper regulatory disclosures. The CCPA rejected Meta's defense that it acted merely as an intermediary, noting that the platform actively facilitated product discovery and promotion. The authority found that Meta failed to exercise due diligence and allowed repeated listings of regulated wireless equipment, misleading consumers about their legality.
Compliance order
CCPA's directive to remove non-compliant listings
Along with the fines, the CCPA also issued cease-and-desist directions to both platforms. They were ordered to immediately remove all non-compliant listings and ensure that walkie-talkies or similar wireless communication devices are not listed unless sellers provide clear information on licensing requirements, permitted frequency bands, and ETA/WPC certification. The authority warned of stricter action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for repeat violations.