Government tightens noose on illegal jammers as CCPA fines Xboom Rs 10 lakh

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has stepped up action against the online sale and promotion of prohibited security equipment, with e-commerce platform Xboom fined Rs 10 lakh for listing anti-drone systems, drone jammers and GPS jammers without the required approvals and disclosures.

The latest action follows notices issued by the consumer watchdog in February to six entities over similar listings. The CCPA has now directed Xboom to stop listing, hosting, advertising, promoting or offering the equipment unless the necessary licences and approvals are in place.

Xboom fined Rs 10 lakh

The products named in the order include X-Mini, X-Radar XK2, X-Eye, X-Gun XK4, RF-Patrol XK2 and XGaurd.

Xboom argued that it followed an enquiry-based model and that the equipment was intended for government agencies, armed forces and other authorised institutional buyers.

The CCPA, however, held that requiring potential buyers to make an enquiry did not take the listings outside the scope of advertising.

The company also cited a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an individual involved in anti-drone systems and consultancy work for government departments. The authority rejected that argument, saying an MoU cannot replace the statutory licences and approvals required for such equipment.

Why jammers are under scrutiny

Government rules restrict the possession, use, manufacture and import of jammers. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also previously warned that cellular jammers, GPS blockers and similar signal-jamming devices are generally illegal unless specifically authorised by the government.

The CCPA's 2025 guidelines were aimed at preventing unauthorised radio equipment from being advertised and sold through e-commerce platforms.

In its February action, the authority said some of the listings it examined did not clearly tell consumers that civilian possession and use of such devices without statutory approval was prohibited.

CCPA warns over online availability

The issue has drawn attention because the presence of restricted equipment on an online marketplace can make it appear to consumers like an ordinary gadget available for purchase.

The government had warned e-commerce platforms about such sales earlier as well. In 2022, the CCPA advised platforms against the illegal sale and facilitation of wireless jammers.

Under its latest order, Xboom cannot continue listing or promoting the identified products unless it obtains the required approvals and provides the mandated disclosures.