CAIT demands formation of a unified Cyber Regulatory Authority

Traders’ body, Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), has demanded that the government should make an E-Commerce policy and unified Cyber Regulatory Authority.

It has raised a serious concern over the violation of existing laws by e-commerce companies and their indulgence in malpractices which can only be checked with the help of a comprehensive e-commerce policy and a regulatory framework.

The office-bearers of CAIT, in a recently concluded National Conference of Trade Leaders, expressed these views. The conference was attended by over 150 top trade leaders from across the country.

They said that Commerce Minister has issued several warnings to these companies in the past two years but despite that, they have not changed their way and they continue to indulge in illegal practices.

These leaders unanimously requested the commerce minister Piyush Goyal to roll out a robust e-commerce policy and a unified Cyber Regulatory Authority.

“In its resolution, it is said that the Internet and technology have revolutionized the way people operate and interact on an everyday basis. It has given impetus to traditional businesses, led to the emergence of new forms of businesses and business practices, and empower citizens by making information affordable, and accessible to all,” a press statement issued by CAIT said.

It added, “Increased Internet penetration and adoption of technology at all levels of society coupled with rapid digitization across sectors have caused large-scale disruption in the society and economy and brought in its wake new and unforeseen issues and challenges.”

According to CAIT, redressal of these emerging and unforeseen issues, therefore, becomes crucial and requires a nuanced understanding and technical evaluation of various elements of the digital economy, including data, consumer behaviour, emerging technologies, etc., all of which serve as a building block for the digital ecosystem.

“In this regard, it becomes imperative that a streamlined and holistic approach to the regulation of the digital ecosystem is adopted at the highest level that helps address cross-cutting issues with cross-sectoral implications relating to the development, use, and adoption of technology,” CAIT said.