The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States has launched an inquiry into Amazon and other online merchants on allegations that they sell and promote prohibited signal jamming devices.

The agency confirmed the news to Fox Business, stating: "We have several ongoing investigations into retailers, including Amazon, for potential violations of Commission rules related to the marketing and sale of equipment without proper FCC authorization."

Amazon Vendors' Unlawful Trade

In a report by NBC News, nine separate Amazon vendors have been selling radio frequency jammers recently, prompting inquiries into the marketing and sale of illicit electronic equipment. This action goes against federal regulations that restrict the sale of such devices to customers in the US.

Large fines, confiscation of the infringing equipment, and criminal penalties (including jail time) may result from selling or using a jammer in the nation.

Since previous enforcement attempts were unsuccessful, foreign shops almost exclusively sell jammers online, and very few domestic companies sell them.

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Potential Risks

Disabling security cameras and Wi-Fi networks are only two of the many communication and signal disruptions that these gadgets are capable of doing, which can pose a danger to public safety.

One provision of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, prohibits the "operation, manufacture, importation, marketing, and sale of equipment designed to jam or otherwise interfere with authorized radio communications, such as radar, global positioning system (GPS), and cellphone communications," according to the FCC's website.

Since the primary function of jamming equipment is to disrupt radio communications, the FCC cannot provide permission for it, even though the Communications Act mandates such a license or authorization for radio transmitting equipment.

According to an FCC enforcement advisory from April 2020, jamming devices may disrupt regular communications, put public safety communications at risk, and even prohibit people from making emergency calls like 911. They can be used at home, school, company, or even in a vehicle.

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