Right to Privacy: The government is soon going to take a significant step to prevent the violation of customers’ privacy rights. After this, customers will not be required to share their mobile numbers with shopkeepers.
Customers Mobile Number: Whenever a customer goes to buy goods at a shop or store, the shopkeeper asks for their mobile number. After registering the mobile number, the shopkeeper provides the bill, but now you won’t have to provide your number. The central government is soon going to take a step where consumers will not be required to share their number.
The service is not provided unless a mobile number is given
According to a report published in The Economic Times, an official from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has stated that using customers’ mobile numbers without their consent will be considered an invasion of their privacy. In recent times, there have been several cases of inappropriate business practices involving the use of mobile numbers. Customers have lodged complaints against various retail shopkeepers, claiming that if they did not provide their mobile numbers, they were denied service. On the other hand, shopkeepers argue that they cannot generate bills without the customers’ mobile numbers.
Mobile numbers cannot be taken against the will of the customers.
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has stated that shopkeepers and store owners cannot compel any customer to provide their mobile number. Additionally, they cannot refuse service solely because a customer has not registered their mobile number. Information about this new regulation by the ministry will be communicated to all retail shopkeepers through their representative industry bodies. Officials will provide clear instructions to all shopkeepers that they cannot insist or exert pressure on customers to provide their mobile numbers if the customers choose not to do so.
Customers’ privacy is a matter of concern
It is noteworthy that in India, it is not necessary to provide a mobile number for making purchases. However, most customers are required to provide their number at stores. This compromises their privacy rights. Over the past few years, there has been a rapid increase in fraud cases due to the sharing of mobile numbers. In this context, the government’s step will be in favor of protecting the rights of customers.