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<ul><li>India has reportedly decided to not participate in the e-commerce discussions with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) scheduled to begin in March. </li><li>India is concerned about the proposed custom duties of electronic transmissions. </li><li>India’s own draft e-commerce policy that was released on Saturday could help strengthen the opposition against the WTO’s e-commerce rules.</li></ul>India won’t be participating in the World Trade Organization (WTO) talks on e-commerce next month because of concerns over unfair market access to foreign players. India also just came out with its own draft of the e-commerce policy on Saturday, but its main concern with WTO is the proposed custom duties on electronic transmissions. A commerce department official <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/india-refuses-to-join-e-commerce-talks-at-wto-says-rules-to-hurt-country-119022500014_1.html">told</a> Business Standard, “WTO rules come into effect for all 164 members and need to be ratified by each, but for the first time a major decision has been taken without complete consensus among member nations. We will not encourage a multilateral platform to run, based on the interests of a few nations. Our policy will deal with concerns such as cross-border data flow.” Most global e-commerce players haven’t been too subtle about the fact that India is a ‘strategic market’ for them. India claims the new rules put forth by the WTO could provide unfair market access to foreign companies, something they’ve been working hard to deter despite opening the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) pipelines. Tax on tax The draft e-commerce policy that the Indian government put out on Saturday favours not imposing any customs duties on electronic transmissions — basically any type of digital trade — which is in contradiction to the WTO’s e-commerce policy. 
 
 
 
 
 <div type="ExtQuote" text="“With increasing digitisation, more and more products such as books, music, films, video games, etc. are being traded electronically. By agreeing to the permanent moratorium, countries with tariff schedules, which allow putting duties on these kinds of products, will give up these rights and lose revenues.”" auname="India’s draft e-commerce policy"></div>









 Even developed nations like the US have called for “non-discrimination in treatment of digital products” since it is “at the core of the digital trading system.” Other developed nations likes the Singapore and South Korea are also propagating that custom duties should not be imposed on the transaction of digital products. On the other hand, China is in favour of the deal, according to officials. They told Business Standard that Alibaba, the Chinese multinational conglomerate, has partnered with the WTO and the World Economic Forum (WEF) to create an Electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP). While data is at the heart of India’s new e-commerce, it can help India’s cause at the WTO by strengthening the opposition. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/amazon-india-finds-way-around-new-e-commerce-rules-for-cloudtail-and-appario/articleshow/67831376.cms">Amazon may have found a way around India’s new e-commerce rules</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/e-commerce-wars-amazons-jeff-bezos-vs-mukesh-ambani-in-india/articleshow/67620116.cms">Amazon's newest challenger may be the richest man in Asia</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/amazon-walmart-owned-flipkart-set-back-by-new-e-commerce-rules-that-help-mukesh-ambanis-reliance-retail/articleshow/67751026.cms">Mukesh Ambani may be the surprise winner from India's new rules hurting Amazon and Walmart</a>

India decides to opt-out of WTO e-commerce talks over digital tax concerns: Report

New Delhi, Jan 16 () The delay in notification of e-pharmacy draft rules is causing anxiety among stakeholders involved in digital health ecosystem, industry body Ficci said on Thursday.
 There is no violation of any existing act and rules in current e-pharmacy model. However, there are certain difficulties that the sector has been facing towards ease of doing business due to regulatory uncertainty, Ficci said in a statement.
 This is because of the pending draft e-pharmacy rules. The draft rules provide sector specific e-commerce regulations with aim to harmonise existing laws/guidelines, it added.
 "The delay in the notification of e-pharmacy draft rules is causing confusion and anxiety for all the stakeholders involved in digital health ecosystem," the statement said.
 By leveraging the technology in a smart way and under appropriate regulatory control, the e-pharmacy sector has scope of adding immense value to the existing pharmacy retail industry, and also the overall healthcare sector, it added.
 Stating that e-pharmacies comply with the laws of the land, Ficci e-Pharmacy Working Group Chairperson Prashant Tandon said, "All the orders for prescription-based medicines are processed only against a copy of valid prescription and are dispensed by a licensed pharmacy having a registered pharmacist."
 Currently, there are over 50 start-ups operating in e-pharmacy space in the country, providing quality and affordable medicines to about 50 lakh patients per month across the country, the statement said.
 About 30,000 skilled professionals are employed by the sector. The e-pharmacy sector has attracted over Rs 4,000 crore in FDI from some of the top global investors, and another Rs 2,000 crore is expected in the next 2 to 3 years, it added. AKT RVK

Delay in notification of e-pharmacy draft rules causing concern in the sector: Ficci

<ul><li>A draft policy for India’s burgeoning <keyword id="35621" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce">e-commerce</keyword> sector is expected to be finalised by the end of the year. </li><li>A key proposal calls for opening up e-commerce firms to 49% foreign ownership, only if they source domestically-produced goods. </li><li>Since 2016, the government has allowed 100% foreign ownership in firms that employ the marketplace model, like <keyword id="6354742" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Flipkart">Flipkart</keyword>. </li></ul> A draft policy for India’s burgeoning e-commerce sector has been in the works for a while. While a government committee, comprising nine sub-groups and led by Suresh Prabhu, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, is putting the finishing touches to the policy, a number of key proposals of have been revealed. And one, in particular, concerns the government’s “Make in India” scheme. An FDI-focused taskforce led by Rita Teaotia, the secretary of the Commerce Ministry, has suggested allowing e-commerce platforms that utilise an “inventory model” to be as much as 49% foreign-owned. Currently, only food retailers are afforded this ownership allowance. E-commerce firms that use the inventory model manage their own inventory and actually own the products that are put up for sale, selling them to consumers directly. However, foreign entities need to source these products domestically and the founder of the business needs to be an Indian resident. The move will likely give small-and-medium enterprises a boost and attract even greater investment to India’s e-commerce sector. The proposal will require the creation of an agency tasked with accrediting “made in India” products. Currently, e-commerce platforms that have even a minimal foreign ownership aren’t allowed to deploy the business-to-consumer model. Since 2016, the government has allowed 100% foreign ownership in firms that employ marketplace models, like Flipkart, which was recently purchased by Walmart. Companies employing the marketplace model act as facilitators between buyers and sellers. So, Flipkart doesn’t directly sell the product but gives registered companies a chance to sell their products. A national regulator The government committee has submitted a number of other proposals. These include a recommendation that calls for the data of Indian consumers be stored “exclusively” in India within two years. This precludes data not collected in India and the recommendation is line with the draft data protection bill released by the by the Srikrishna panel earlier. Additionally, the draft policy also calls for the establishment of a national regulator for the e-commerce industry. This will be vital to ensuring that the interests of consumers and small businesses are safeguarded, especially amid fears that India’s e-commerce sector would be flooded with foreign-made products. The regulator will also ensure that all foreign investment caps are complied with. The e-commerce policy is currently being fine-tuned, before being opened up to stakeholder consultations. It is expected to be finalised by the end of the year.

India may loosen FDI rules in the e-commerce sector to give “Make in India” a boost

<ul><li>The Indian e-commerce industry is grow to $200 billion by 2026.</li><li>The National e-commerce policy earlier had a deadline of being introduced by the end of 2019.</li><li>A recently released consumer protection draft is waiting for comments from leaders.</li><li>The draft e-commerce policy spelt trouble for <keyword id="6354742" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Flipkart">Flipkart</keyword>, <keyword id="18635" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon">Amazon</keyword>.</li></ul>Indian e-commerce is growing at a fast rate as it moves to reach out to Bharat – the next 200 million internet users in the country. But not all is completely well with this industry which is expected to grow to $200 billion by 2026. From deep discounting to FDI in e-commerce to data protection, there are several concerns that the industry and its consumers have to deal with. Yet, considering the speedy growth of the industry, the Indian government is all set to regulate the sector. It is planning to bring about a National e-commerce policy. A draft policy was introduced in February and recently yet another draft on consumer protection in e-commerce also came in. The government is engaging with industry leaders to include their thoughts in the final policy. The draft e-commerce policy itself opened debate as Walmart-owned Flipkart, Amazon came directly under the government’s line of fire. The draft has not yet been converted into a bill and hence will not be tabled at the winter session of the parliament. However, there could be an overlap with the data protection bill that is a part of the session. The National e-commerce policy was supposed to be introduced by the end of 2019. A recently released consumer protection draft is waiting for comments from leaders The government on November 11 released a draft consumer protection in e-commerce rules. It has been opened up to the public so that e-commerce industry leaders can give their comments on it by December 2, 2019. The draft once again emphasised that e-commerce players cannot directly or indirectly influence the price of the goods or services and must maintain a level playing field. They also cannot falsely represent themselves as consumers or post reviews on their behalf. It also says that every e-commerce player will have to “publish on its website the name of the Grievance Officer and his contact details as well as mechanism by which users can notify their complaints about products and services availed through their web site”. The draft e-commerce policy spelt trouble for Flipkart, Amazon Introduced in February 2019, the draft policy had already gone through multiple rounds of deliberations. While homegrown players like Snapdeal, Paytm Mall have more or less found a safe place in the policy, Flipkart, Amazon and Chinese retailers like Club Factory, Shein are in a tough spot. As the draft, FDI in e-commerce will only be allowed for the marketplace model and not for inventory-based selling. This means that Flipkart and Amazon, will not be allowed to own or sell through any of their entities. Through several meetings over the year, the government has made its intentions clear. In a recent closed door meeting with industry players, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also told Amazon and Flipkart that they must ensure compliance with new foreign investment rules and steer clear of deep discounting. Chinese retailers too will find it difficult to function without having an Indian entity. The policy says that all product shipments from other countries to India must be channelized through customs.. One of the major problems in the e-commerce sector, deep discounting or predatory pricing will be looked into as well. Anti-counterfeiting measures will be taken to curb the growing menace of fake products. Another important point of the policy is the government's insistence that all local data should be stored in India.

India’s e-commerce policy is still in the works – with Flipkart, Amazon on tenterhooks

<ul class="summary-list"><li>China's competition regulator published a draft version of rules for internet businesses Tuesday, Reuters reported.</li><li>Chinese tech stocks fell as investors fretted about Beijing intensifying its regulatory crackdown.</li><li>The proposed rules aim to stamp out fake reviews, stop hijacks of customers and restrict use of data tools.</li></ul>China's competition regulator published draft new rules targeting internet providers on Tuesday, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/china-issues-draft-rules-banning-unfair-competition-internet-sector-2021-08-17/">Reuters</a> reported, with the move sending their stocks lower as Beijing's crackdown on the tech sector intensified.The proposals by the State Administration for Market Regulation aim to clamp down on unfair competition by targeting fake reviews online and restricting how internet companies use customer data, among other measures.Shares of major Chinese internet companies fell after the draft rules were published. E-commerce heavyweight Alibaba closed 4.77% lower in Hong Kong. Its US-listed shares in New York were down more than 3% in premarket trading. <keyword id="212412" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Tencent">Tencent</keyword> shares also struggled, sliding 4.14% in Hong Kong. The entertainment company's share price went on a volatile ride in July, when a <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/tencent-stock-price-chinese-media-slams-online-gaming-addictive-regulation-2021-8">state-run media outlet's criticism</a> of online gaming harms raise concerns of a clampdown on the sector.In recent months, Chinese regulators have intensified their scrutiny of the technology and education sectors, prompting investors to pull out of companies that could be affected.After new restrictions on tutoring businesses drove <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/china-education-stocks-tutoring-regulations-tech-shares-jpmorgan-2021-7">a rout in education companies' stocks</a> in July, Beijing officials said they would be more cautious about how they published regulations and would take stock volatility into consideration.Last week, though, China's government released its five-year plan, which <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/china-tech-regulation-crackdown-tougher-legislation-key-industries-2021-8">outlines new regulations</a> for key industries including artificial intelligence, internet finance and big data.The State Administration for Market Regulation is seeking public feedback on its proposed regulations, with a deadline of September 15.The rules put forward include a ban on companies hiding negative reviews and on publishing false information on consumer traffic, media reports said. They would also be barred from creating misleading stories meant to damage the reputation of competitors, and from offering "red envelope" cash rewards for good reviews.Internet-based businesses would no longer be allowed to use data and algorithms to learn about potential customers in order to hijack them. Regulators also want to forbid companies from collecting and analyzing data about their business competitors.

China targets internet giants with new competition rules, putting pressure on tech shares

<ul><li>E-commerce players in India including <keyword id="6354742" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Flipkart">Flipkart</keyword> and Amazon reportedly stand to suffer a massive setback in sales if India’s new foreign investment restrictions come into effect on February 1. </li><li>Both Walmart-owned Flipkart and <keyword id="6354743" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon-India">Amazon India</keyword> are among companies whose sales may be hit by a loss of $46 billion by 2022. </li><li>However, the government change its stance on India’s new <keyword id="3557940" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="e-commerce-policy">e-commerce policy</keyword> clarifying that e-commerce companies will still be able to sell their private labels. </li><li>If the change is implemented, it will probably force e-commerce players to rethink their supply chains. </li></ul>E-commerce businesses in India including Amazon India and Walmart-owned Flipkart may witness a decline in online sales to the tune of $46 billion by 2022 once new rules go into effect on February 1, Reuters reported, citing a draft analysis by PwC. The new regulation mandates that foreign e-commerce businesses can no longer sell goods from companies or entities in which they own a stake. But the government’s position is a unclear after they <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/amazon-and-flipkart-are-off-the-hook-youll-still-be-able-to-buy-the-amazon-echo-and-marq-products-online/articleshow/67379751.cms">‘clarified’</a> that e-commerce companies can still sell products under their own private label. According to the report, the total volume of sales of goods sold online through digital platforms may see a decline by $800 million in the current fiscal year if the policy does come into effect in February. Revenue will continue to sharply drop over the next three years for those companies that will be forced comply with the new rule. Despite this, the sales may grow but won’t be able meet expectations because of the policy change. Both Amazon and Flipkart — who have majority (70%) of revenue share in the online retail industry of India — are <a href="https://qz.com/india/1525199/modis-new-fdi-rules-will-badly-hit-amazon-india-flipkart/">dependent on sales </a>through group companies for half of their sales, reported Quartz. The new e-commerce rules by the Indian government are aimed at safeguarding the interest of local traders. However, the new rules may also <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-indian-government-just-dealt-a-serious-surprise-to-amazon-and-flipkart-heres-what-that-means-for-online-shoppers/articleshow/67272151.cms">impact consumers</a> who are now accustomed to deep-discounts and ‘exclusive’ launches, which may take a hit as a result of changes in their business model. Before the policy was announced on December 26, Morgan Stanley estimates showed that India’s e-commerce market would witness 30% growth year-on-year over the next 10 years reaching a value of $200 billion by 2027. Amazon and Flipkart, along with other stakeholders, are reportedly <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-new-e-commerce-policy-has-rivals-flipkart-and-amazon-teaming-up-to-counter-the-new-directive-and-the-republic-day-sale-will-probably-be-their-last/articleshow/67366996.cms">teaming up</a> to lobby against the new regulations since it will severely impact their supply chain operations. See also: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/the-indian-government-just-dealt-a-serious-surprise-to-amazon-and-flipkart-heres-what-that-means-for-online-shoppers/articleshow/67272151.cms">The Indian government just dealt a serious surprise to Amazon and Flipkart — Here’s what that means for online shoppers</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/indias-new-e-commerce-policy-has-rivals-flipkart-and-amazon-teaming-up-to-counter-the-new-directive-and-the-republic-day-sale-will-probably-be-their-last/articleshow/67366996.cms">India’s new e-commerce policy has rivals Flipkart and Amazon teaming up to counter the new directive — and the ‘Republic Day’ sale will probably be their last</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/amazon-and-flipkart-are-off-the-hook-youll-still-be-able-to-buy-the-amazon-echo-and-marq-products-online/articleshow/67379751.cms">Amazon and Flipkart are off the hook — You’ll still be able to buy the Amazon Echo and MarQ products online</a>

India’s curbs on e-commerce businesses could cost them $46 billion by 2022: Report

In a development that could be beneficial for many <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/If-this-deal-sees-light-of-the-day-TCS-will-become-more-than-twice-the-size-of-Infosys/articleshow/50436358.cms">businesses</a> in the country, the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/PM-Modi-urges-scientists-to-work-on-cost-effective-solutions/articleshow/50435952.cms">government</a> is all set to start a discussion which, if concluded well, could allow malls, <keyword id="34615" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="restaurants">restaurants</keyword>, theatres and local markets to remain open all the time. 
	 As per ET sources, the <keyword id="126926" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Labour-Ministry">labour ministry</keyword> will be holding the first round of three-party consultations with trade unions, employers and state representatives on Tuesday. These parties would be asked for their views about the proposed draft of Shop and Establishment Act. 
	 "This will be a model central Act, which will be advisory in nature, not binding on states. After collating the views of all stakeholders, the draft will be finalised and moved for <keyword id="6355513" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="cabinet">Cabinet</keyword> approval," said an undisclosed source. 
	 
	As of now, shops are required to remain shut on a specified day, and at specific times in the days. This is why we see malls and restaurants closing at midnight, with local markets taking their shutters down even earlier and being closed one day in the week. 
	 
	The new <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Court-rejects-Rajat-Guptas-appeal-yet-again/articleshow/50379220.cms">law</a> would be favourable for the brick and mortar showrooms that face tough competition from the round-the-clock functioning of the rapidly increasing e-commerce industry in the country

Shops, restaurants could stay open all night with a new
proposed rule

New Delhi, The current Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 has several limitations, including the lack of comprehensive provisions on user rights, trust and safety. The proposed <keyword id="13582784" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Digital-India-Act" source="Orion">Digital India Act</keyword> (<keyword id="986" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="dia" source="Orion">DIA</keyword>) will give a much-needed thrust to the current regulatory landscape in India to tame Big Tech and empower millions of citizens, the government has emphasized. The country needs Global Standard Cyber Laws to act as a catalyst and enabler for the $1 trillion <keyword id="50691" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="digital" source="Orion">digital</keyword> economy, according to <keyword id="205969" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rajeev-chandrasekhar" source="Orion">Rajeev Chandrasekhar</keyword>, Minister of State for Electronics and IT. This is how the DIA will become a game-changer once it comes into practice. According to Chandrasekhar, only 5.5 million Indians were on the Internet and today, 850 million citizens are connected on the web, making the country the "largest digitally connected democracy". In his presentation to various stakeholders this week, the minister said that from one type of Internet intermediary in the year 2000 to multiple types of intermediaries today (e-commerce, digital media, social media, AI, OTT, gaming etc.), we are facing new complex forms of user harms -- catfishing, doxxing, cyber stalking, cyber trolling, gaslighting and phishing, etc. The proliferation of hate speech, disinformation and fake news are other serious concerns that the old IT regime cannot address. Hence, there is an urgent need for DIA rules which will "manage the complexities of the Internet and rapid expansion of the types of intermediaries". "The new digital law should be evolvable and consistent with changing market trends, disruption in technologies, development in international jurisprudence and global standards for qualitative service/products delivery framework," Chandrasekhar mentioned. Emphasizing the need for an open Internet, the minister said that it should offer Choice, Competition, Online Diversity, Fair Market Access, and Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Compliance for Startups. The proposed DIA will offer adjudicatory and appellate mechanisms for accountable and responsive digital operators; updated intermediary framework; obligations on significant digital operators through classification/ mandates; algorithmic transparency and periodic risk assessments by digital entities. The DIA will have a core Team in the IT Ministry (MeitY) -- Minister of State (MoS) IT, Additional Secretary, GC Cyberlaw, ASG, an outside legal expert and an industry expert. There will be a comparative study of all relevant global laws pertaining to the Internet and technology in other countries for the draft Digital bill. "There will be consultations with experts, general public, industry, media, academia, student community, Internet governance forums and consumer forums for the DIA," according to the minister. The aim is to fulfill Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="Orion">Narendra Modi</keyword>'s 'Digital India Goals 2026' and create a $1 trillion digital economy by 2025-26. "India will be a significant trusted player in the global value chains for digital products, devices, platforms and solutions," said Chandrasekhar. The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Bill would be among the initiatives under the broad DIA -- the others being National Data Governance Policy, amendments in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to cyber crimes and DIA rules. "The Indian laws should be able to handle the rapid expansion of social media intermediaries," said the minister. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/pristyn-care-has-reportedly-fired-300-employees/articleshow/98514449.cms">Health-tech startup Pristyn Care has reportedly fired 300 employees in the last two months</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/you-are-not-safe-from-air-pollution-anywhere-in-the-world-finds-a-new-study/articleshow/98471370.cms">You are not safe from air pollution anywhere in the world, finds a new study</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/wedding-bells-ring-in-16-rise-in-february-auto-sales-2-wheeler-sales-yet-to-hit-pre-pandemic-levels-fada/articleshow/98443213.cms">Wedding bells ring in 16% rise in February auto sales, 2 wheeler sales yet to hit pre-pandemic levels: FADA</a>

Explained: How Digital India Act will replace old IT regime to tame Big Tech, safeguard users

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Package theft is a staple of the e-commerce age, and is more common in some states than others.</li><li>Efforts to up the penalty for package theft are controversial.</li></ul>Since the e-commerce explosion of 2020 and 2021, package theft has become a constant consumer concern, and lawmakers are taking notice. The crime is difficult to track, but some trends are clear. It's more common in apartment complexes and shared buildings than single-family homes. And it's more common in urban areas over suburban ones, <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/theft/how-to-keep-holiday-packages-being-stolen-a5439792808/">according to Consumer Reports</a>. But there's no rock-solid way to know how often "porch pirates" strike, and upping the punishment is a controversial move. Though 11% of people who receive packages they order online have had at least one stolen, according to a <a href="https://article.images.consumerreports.org/prod/content/dam/surveys/Consumer_Reports_AES_22_SEPT_2021">Consumer Reports survey from 2021</a>, only 9%<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/what-to-do-if-your-package-gets-stolen"> filed a police report. </a>In the same survey, 65% of the affected people said they had at least two packages stolen.And even if they had logged the theft with police, the crime of package theft is filed and charged differently depending on the location. In some places it's simple theft, like any other. In others, there's a separate charge for package theft. And in states where there's a distinction, lawmakers are cracking down, hard. In the last four years, eight US states have elevated package theft from a misdemeanor to a felony: <ul><li>Texas — Package theft has been a <a href="https://www.khou.com/article/news/attention-porch-pirates-new-texas-law-makes-it-a-felony-to-steal-packages-starting-sept-1/285-e47b421c-e896-4123-82a4-308422d43325">felony since 2019</a>, with a penalty of six months to 10 years in prison, which can be increased if the crime involved disabled or elderly people. </li><li>Michigan — Package theft is considered a <a href="https://www.monroecountylawyers.com/blog/2019/12/porch-piracy-and-mail-theft-becomes-felony-crimes-in-michigan/">felony on the second violation</a>, with a penalty of up to five years in prison. </li><li>Oklahoma — Package theft can be <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/11/02/porch-piracy-act-oklahoma-takes-effect-prison-time/6134537002/">charged as a felony</a> if the perpetrator is convicted of three instances within 60 days. The punishment is up to five years in prison. </li><li> Arkansas — Package theft has been a <a href="https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/stealing-packages-porch-felony-arkansas/91-8d54ffd1-943f-43bc-acb3-746daeb7b362">felony since 2021</a>, punishable by up to six years in prison. </li><li>Tennessee — Package theft has been a <a href="https://www.wate.com/investigations/new-law-gives-porch-pirates-tougher-punishments-in-tennessee/">felony since 2021,</a> punishable by up to six years in prison.</li><li>Georgia — Since 2021, package theft can be charged as a <a href="https://www.11alive.com/article/news/local/stealing-packages-a-felony-in-georgia/85-545570df-be8a-4179-861e-d64b561afa12">felony since</a> if the perpetrator has taken three packages or pieces of mail from one address or 10 or more pieces from three or more addresses. The crime is punishable by up to five years in prison. </li><li>New Jersey — At the end of 2022, package theft became a <a href="https://www.nj.com/politics/2022/01/porch-pirates-in-nj-face-up-to-5-years-in-jail-under-new-law.html">"third-degree crime"</a> in New Jersey with a punishment of up to five years in prison. </li><li>Kentucky — Package theft became a felony punishable by up to <a href="https://www.wlwt.com/article/kentucky-bill-porch-pirate-felony-bill-law-beshear/40176611">five years in prison</a> last year.</li></ul>California, New York, South Carolina, Kansas, and Missouri all have similar laws drafted and pending passage through state legislatures, according to a list compiled by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/aug/25/porch-piracy-package-thefts-doorstep-delivery">The Guardian</a> and the investigative journalism outfit <a href="https://www.typeinvestigations.org/investigation/2022/08/25/when-porch-piracy-became-a-felony/">Type Investigations.</a><h2>Where is package theft most common?</h2>There isn't much of a correlation between the states cracking down on package theft and the places that experience it. Only one of the top 10 metro areas experiencing the most package theft is in a state where porch piracy is a felony. Those <a href="https://www.safewise.com/blog/metro-areas-porch-theft/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cities were ranked by Vivint</a>, a home security firm, using Google Trends data combined with FBI data on larceny: <ol><li>San Francisco, California</li><li>Seattle, Washington</li><li>Austin, Texas</li><li>Hartford, Connecticut</li><li>Sacramento, California</li><li>Los Angeles, California </li><li>Portland, Oregon</li><li>Fresno, California</li><li>Milwaukee, Wisconsin</li><li>New Orleans, Louisiana </li></ol><h2>Delivery worker dragnet?</h2>Stealing anything delivered by the US Postal Service is already a felony, but a <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6852/text?r=8&amp;s=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bill to extend that rule to all delivery companies nationwide</a> was introduced in the US House of Representatives last year by democrat Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota. It was referred to the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security in November."It's theft and it needs a higher level of punishment," Rep. Dan Meuser, a Republican from Texas, stated. "It sends a message that we're getting tough on those who prey on customers waiting for their items they've paid for, including medication and gifts." Supporters of escalating punishment for package theft see the concept as a natural extension of existing protections for USPS packages in the e-commerce age — and a necessary deterrent to criminals that can end up stealing crucial items like prescription drugs. Last year, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/aug/25/porch-piracy-package-thefts-doorstep-delivery">The Guardian</a> analyzed all of Texas's porch piracy charges since its law passed in 2019. Out of 113 charges, none appeared to be cases of organized crime, and were more likely crimes of desperation or opportunity. Critics say that these laws could end up disproportionately affecting people of color, especially delivery workers. Given the popularity of doorbell camera security systems, delivery workers can easily end up accused of package theft without conclusive evidence, said Aiha Nguyen, program director for Data and Society, a nonprofit research organization. When packages disappear, delivery personnel are often the last known person in contact with them and in clear view of now-ubiquitous cameras, she said. "We think that these are pretty misguided because they'll likely pull this low wage workforce, which is made up of many people of color, into the law enforcement dragnet," she said. When packages disappear, delivery personnel are often the last known person in contact with them and in clear view of now ubiquitous doorbell cameras, she said. The American Civil Liberties Union has <a href="https://californiaglobe.com/articles/increased-porch-pirate-penalty-bill-introduced-for-the-second-time-in-the-senate/">taken issue with several "porch piracy"</a> bills around the country, including the one currently being considered in California, which it said "could be used as a pretext for arresting people against whom law enforcement or property owners are explicitly or implicitly biased." The ACLU and Nguyen also pointed out that theft is already illegal and making package theft an automatic felony takes out the nuances out of existing larceny laws. "A lot of these a lot of the laws don't have minimums," Nguyen said. "It could be a felony for stealing a $5 lipstick."

Package theft is now a felony in 8 states and counting as lawmakers crack down on 'porch piracy'

Market regulator SEBI gave a go-ahead on Wednesday to <keyword id="44949" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Future-group">Future Group</keyword>'s scheme of arrangement and sale of assets to <keyword id="10926" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Reliance">Reliance</keyword>, based on which the Bombay Stock Exchange also granted its "no adverse observation" report to the Rs 24,713-crore deal. Amazon had written several letters to the SEBI and other regulatory agencies to suspend their review of the deal and not grant it a no objection certification on ground that its challenge to the agreement was before the Delhi High Court. The Securities and Exchange Board of India allowed the deal with some riders, five months after it was announced last August. While seeking shareholders or the National Company Law Tribunal approval, the SEBI has asked Future Group to specifically mention the litigation pending before the Delhi High Court and arbitration proceedings by the e-commerce major Amazon contesting the deal, the Bombay Stock Exchange stated in its observation letter. The BSE has also held that SEBI's go-ahead on the draft scheme of arrangement would be subject to the outcome of these proceedings. "It is observed that there are certain ongoing litigations/arbitration/legal proceedings against the draft scheme," the SEBI said. "In view of the same, the company is advised that these comments of SEBI on the draft scheme of arrangement are subject to the outcome of any of the ongoing litigations/arbitration/legal proceeding involving the draft scheme and/or the decision by any competent authority/competent court in this regard," it said. Commenting on the development, a Amazon spokesperson said: "The letters issued by BSE &amp; NSE clearly state that comments of SEBI on the "draft scheme of arrangement" (proposed transaction) are subject to the outcome of the ongoing arbitration and any other legal proceedings. We will continue to pursue our legal remedies to enforce our rights." The SEBI has directed that Future Group shall ensure that the details of the complaints made by Amazon.com NV Investment Holdings LLC and submission of its group firm <keyword id="375475" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Future-Retail">Future Retail</keyword>. The market regulator directed Future Group to ensure that suitable disclosure about the latest financials of the companies involved in the scheme being not more than six months old was done before filing the same with the NCLT, the BSE said its observation letter. "In the light of above, we hereby advise that we have no adverse observations with limited reference to those matters having a bearing on listing/de-listing/continuous listing requirements within the provisions of Listing Agreement, so as to enable the company to file the scheme with Hon'ble NCLT," the BSE said. The validity of this observation Letter shall be six months, within which the scheme shall be submitted to the NCLT, according to BSE. The exchange reserves its right to withdraw its 'no adverse observation' at any stage if the information submitted is found to be incomplete/incorrect/misleading/false or for any contravention of rules, by-laws and regulations of the exchange, listing agreement, guidelines/regulations issued by statutory authorities," it said. In August 2019, Amazon had agreed to purchase 49 per cent of one of Future's unlisted firms -- Future Coupons Ltd -- with the right to buy into the flagship Future Retail after a period of three to 10 years. Future Coupons holds 7.3 per cent equity in the BSE-listed Future Retail, which operates popular supermarket and hypermarket chains like Big Bazaar -- through convertible warrants. Amazon had dragged Future Group to arbitration at the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), arguing that Future violated its contract with the US firm by entering into the deal with rival Reliance. Last October, the SIAC had passed an interim award in favour of Amazon with a single-judge bench of V K Rajah barring Future Retail from taking any step to dispose of or encumber its assets or issuing any securities to secure any funding from a restricted party. Later, the Future Group approached the high court requesting to restrain Amazon from writing letters to regulatory authorities about the SIAC arbitral order. On December 21, a single-member bench rejected it but gave a go-ahead to the regulators to decide over the deal. The court had also made several observations indicating that Amazon's attempt to control Future Retail through a conflation of agreements Amazon has with an unlisted unit of the Indian company would be violative of the Foreign Exchange Management Act and the foreign direct investment rules. Amazon has now challenged the order before the division bench. Moreover, a three-member tribunal comprising Singaporean barrister Michael Hwang, Albert van den Berg and Jan Paulsson, has been formed at the SIAC to look into the tussle between Amazon and Future Group. It has countered Amazon's claims, saying the e-commerce giant had failed to provide any help to the debt-laden firm that suffered a massive setback during the coronavirus lockdown. Amazon contends that there were ongoing discussions on multiple options with partners and with the promoters of Future.

Future Retail-Reliance deal gets SEBI approval, Amazon says it will continue to fight legally

<ul><li><keyword id="302749" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Alibaba">Alibaba</keyword>'s blowout Singles Day sales wasn't enough to stem investor concerns of increased regulatory pressure as shares slid as much as 9% on Tuesday.</li><li>The company's extended Singles Day sales event registered more than $56 billion in sales in its first 10 days and 30 minutes of the event, according to the company.</li><li>But pressures remain heightened for the Chinese ecommerce giant, given last week's delayed IPO of Ant Group and as China releases a new draft of anti monopoly rules for online platforms. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestutm_source=msn.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=msn-slideshow&amp;utm_campaign=bodyurl?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestsource=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit the Business Insider homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>Initial sales for <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/stocks/baba-stock">Alibaba's</a> Singles Day event were massive, soaring past $56 billion in the first 10 days and 30 minutes of the extended event, according to the company. But that wasn't enough to stem investor concerns over increasing regulatory pressures building from Beijing on Tuesday.Shares of Alibaba slid as much as 9% in Tuesday trades after Chinese regulators released a new draft of anti-monopoly rules that could target online platforms, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-regulators-prepare-to-roll-out-new-antimonopoly-rules-11605013205">according to The Wall Street Journal.</a>The news comes just one week after regulators <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/ant-group-ipo-suspended-shanghai-hong-kong-china-regulators-2020-11-1029758861?utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingestgest">abruptly suspended the highly anticipated IPO of Ant Group</a>, which is partially owned by Alibaba. The debut of Ant Group, <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/ant-group-ipo-billion-largest-ever-jack-ma-alibaba-raise-2020-10-1029721033#">which was expected to be the largest IPO in history</a>, <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/ant-groups-ipo-could-be-delayed-more-than-6-months-2020-11-1029771064">is now expected to be delayed up to 6 months at least. </a>China's State Administration for Market Regulation said on Tuesday that it's seeking feedback on a variety of anti-monopoly rules like offering different prices to different consumers for the same product based on the use of data and algorithms, according to The Journal. Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/goldman-sachs-buy-stocks-to-benefit-from-these-four-trends-2020-11?r=gr-sub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Goldman Sachs combed through hundreds of earnings transcripts to arrive at the 4 themes S&amp;P 500 companies embraced this quarter - and shared the dozens of stocks set to benefit from these thematic trends</a>Other practices that could be targeted by regulators include inflating prices or pricing products below costs, or the use of market influence to restrict sales on competing platforms. According to the Journal, the new set of regulations from Chinese authorities could be in an effort to ensure the competitive landscape in the online marketplace is fair as the government seeks to encourage domestic consumption over the next five years. This new set of rules, if implemented, could negatively impact tech behemoths like Alibaba and Tencent and potentially hinder years of uninterrupted growth.<div type="image" title="alibaba chart.JPG" height="639" width="830" msid="79159877" hostid="261"></div>

You Searched For "draft ecommerce rules" and got 11 results

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Package theft is now a felony in 8 states and counting as lawmakers crack down on 'porch piracy'

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Future Retail-Reliance deal gets SEBI approval, Amazon says it will continue to fight legally

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