Government Advisory Prohibits Shopkeepers to Request Mobile Numbers to Generate Bills.

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs in India has advised retailers to refrain from compelling customers to provide their personal contact details for generating a bill.

This advisory aims to protect consumer privacy and address concerns raised by customers who have experienced refusal of services due to not sharing the contact numbers.

 

Reasons for the Issuance of the Advisory

Ø Unfair Practice:

Retailers demanding personal contact details before generating a bill is considered an unfair trade practice. It goes against the Consumer Protection Act and restricts customer choices and rights without valid justification.

 

Ø Privacy Concerns:

The collection of personal contact details raises privacy concerns. Customers have the right to protect their information and decide how it is used. Mandating disclosure infringes upon their privacy rights. The advisory emphasizes the need for retailers to respect consumer privacy.

 

Ø Empowering Consumers:

The advisory empowers consumers by allowing them to refuse providing personal contact details for generating a bill. By eliminating the mandatory disclosure requirement, consumers can freely protect their privacy, promoting transparency and strengthening consumer confidence.

 

                             The advisory by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to retailers is a significant step to safeguard consumer privacy in India. It is crucial for consumers to be aware of their rights and make informed choices to protect their privacy in business transactions.