India News
The Chandigarh Bench of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled that retail shopkeepers cannot collect phone numbers from customers. The verdict came in response to a complaint filed by advocate Pankaj Chand Gothia.
Gothia stated that in April 2024, he purchased footwear, and the retailer took his phone number under the pretext of issuing a bill. He argued that this act violated data privacy regulations and made his personal information accessible to unauthorized entities.
He further cited a notification issued by the Consumer Affairs Department on May 26, 2023, which stated that demanding phone numbers while selling a product or making it mandatory was a violation of consumer rights.
The commission ordered the immediate deletion of Gothia’s personal data and directed the retailer to pay Rs 2,500 as compensation.
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