World · India Bureau
eBay Investigates Sale of Gender-Prediction Kits in India
The e-commerce platform has launched a probe into how gender-test products became available to Indian consumers, despite existing safeguards. eBay has since removed the listings and reaffirmed its commitment to compliance with local regulations.
LSN India ·
E-commerce giant eBay is investigating the appearance of gender-prediction kits on its platform in India, where such products are prohibited under national law. The company has confirmed that listings for these items were accessible to Indian users, raising questions about the effectiveness of its content moderation systems.
The platform stated that it maintains controls designed to prevent gender-prediction products from being visible to customers in India. However, the breach in these safeguards has prompted a formal review of how the items circumvented existing restrictions. eBay has since removed all affected listings from its Indian marketplace.
India prohibits the sale and advertisement of gender-determination kits under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, legislation enacted to combat sex-selective practices. The law reflects longstanding concerns about gender-based discrimination in the country.
An eBay spokesperson said the company is committed to complying with Indian laws and regulations. The investigation aims to identify how the listings appeared and what measures can be strengthened to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The company has not disclosed whether the kits were actually sold or merely listed on the platform.