WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 5, 2022 – The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global) applauds Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL), and Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) for the bicameral introduction of the bipartisan Domain Reform for Unlawful druG Sellers Act (DRUGS Act). The DRUGS Act helps make the internet safer for American consumers by holding domain name registrars and registries accountable for the actions of individual domain names that peddle illegal, dangerous drugs to consumers online. Senate Bill S.3399 and House Bill 6352 require registrars and registries to take down websites that openly and illegally offer prescription medicines, controlled substances, and unapproved medical products. 

With more consumers buying medicine online and the increased demand for COVID-19 treatments, bad actors have capitalized on the opportunity to sell counterfeit, misbranded, unapproved, and even deadly drugs online. According to a 2021 national survey conducted by the ASOP Global Foundation, nearly half of Americans falsely believe that the FDA or state regulators have approved all websites offering health care services online. Sens. Klobuchar and Rubio and Reps. Rush and McKinley recognize that this misconception gives consumers a false sense of security about purchasing drugs online – and puts their health at risk. This legislation provides FDA, state regulators, and other trusted notifiers powerful new tools to protect Americans from illegal online drug sellers.   

“Internet companies have failed to live up to their commitment to combat the sale of dangerous illegal drugs on their platforms,” said Rep. McKinley. “This is what accountability is all about. We look forward to working with ASOP Global to get this bipartisan bill introduced and signed into law.”

The DRUGS Act builds on the success of the FDA and Department of Commerce’s “Trusted Notifier Pilot,” which identified and suspended domain names used for illegal opioid sales. The legislation requires that, upon notification from a trusted notifier, a registrar or registry must lock the offending domain name within 24 hours and suspend it within seven days. 

ASOP Global strongly endorses this critical legislation and thanks Sens. Klobuchar and Rubio and Reps. Rush and McKinley for taking much-needed action to protect American consumers online. 

“Today, consumers are going online to buy medicine and other products more than ever before. Criminals know this and use domain names to feign legitimate pharmacy operations, taking advantage of patients’ desire for medication access and cost savings. We can and must do more to protect patient safety online,” said Libby Baney, Partner at Faegre Drinker LLP and Senior Advisor to ASOP Global. “The introduction of the DRUGS Act is a critical step towards a safer internet for all patients. ASOP Global will work tirelessly to see this bill signed into law.” 

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ABOUT ASOP GLOBAL

The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. with activities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Asia, is dedicated to protecting consumers around the world, ensuring safe access to medications, and combating illegal online drug sellers.