CCPA Imposes Rs 10 Lakh Penalty on Flipkart and Meta for Illegal Walkie-Talkie Sales
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken strong action against two major online platforms. It fined Flipkart and Meta Rs 10 lakh each. The penalty comes for selling walkie-talkies online without required disclosures. This poses serious risks to national security and consumer rights.
Orders Issued on January 1 and 14, 2026
Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra issued the orders. They stated that these listings violate the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The sales amount to misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. The CCPA directed both companies to pay the penalty immediately.
National Security and Consumer Rights at Stake
Walkie-talkies are sensitive devices regulated under Indian laws. They require proper licensing and frequency compliance. Selling them without disclosures undermines national security. It also violates consumers' right to be informed. The CCPA found that both platforms failed to provide mandatory information.
This includes details on licensing, frequency bands, and equipment type approval certification. Such omissions misled consumers into buying unapproved products. Buyers now face potential legal troubles and regulatory risks.
Findings Against Flipkart
The CCPA discovered that Flipkart listed and sold 65,931 walkie-talkies. These sales occurred without adequate disclosures. Flipkart violated multiple sections of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The platform engaged in unfair trade practices and false advertising.
Flipkart argued it functions as an intermediary under the IT Act. It claimed sellers independently list products. The company said it delisted all walkie-talkies after receiving the CCPA notice. However, the authority found these actions insufficient to absolve prior violations.
Findings Against Facebook Marketplace
Meta's Facebook Marketplace also advertised walkie-talkies without regulatory disclosures. The platform failed to provide the number of units sold. Walkie-talkies were advertised as offering high-range communication. This suggested operation on non-exempt frequency bands.
Meta argued that Facebook Marketplace is not an e-commerce entity. It called it a user-to-user discovery feature. Transactions occur outside the platform, Meta claimed. The company said it removed listings upon notice and introduced additional safeguards. Yet, the CCPA classified it as an e-commerce entity due to its control over listings.
CCPA's Directives and Penalties
The CCPA ordered both platforms to remove all uncertified products. This includes walkie-talkies and any items requiring statutory approval. The authority mandated regular self-audits to prevent deceptive advertising. It aims to eliminate legal violations through these measures.
The penalty of Rs 10 lakh each reflects the gravity of the violations. The CCPA emphasized that such actions seriously undermine consumer interest. They also pose significant threats to national security.
Background and Legal Framework
The proceedings started from suo moto cognisance by the CCPA last year. It acted under Section 19 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The authority noticed walkie-talkies being sold without proper disclosures on both platforms.
Walkie-talkies are regulated under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. The Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing rules also apply. Only devices operating within specified frequency bands are exempt from licensing. Others require equipment type approval from WPC.
Consumer Protection and Platform Responsibility
The CCPA stressed that platforms cannot function merely as passive intermediaries. E-commerce entities must take reasonable steps to prevent illegal activities. They need to ensure compliance with consumer laws and advertising guidelines.
Both Flipkart and Meta have nationwide reach. Any misleading listing on such platforms can affect a large number of consumers. The CCPA's actions highlight the importance of due diligence and regulatory compliance in online sales.
