ASOP Global Endorses INFORM Consumers Act
Bipartisan legislation would enhance accountability in the online marketplace and provide additional protection for consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 25, 2021 – Today, the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global) issued the following statement in support of the bipartisan Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act (INFORM Consumers Act):
As a long-time patient safety advocate and partner of the multi-sector Buy Safe America Coalition, ASOP Global is proud to endorse the INFORM Consumers Act, sponsored by Senators Durbin (D-IL), Cassidy (R-LA), Hirono (D-HI), Grassley (R-IA), Coons (D-DE) and Tillis (R-NC). We commend this bipartisan collection of senators for prioritizing legislation that demands transparency and helps ensure accountability on online marketplace to protect consumers from purchasing counterfeit, dangerous, or defective products. This week, the United States Senate will have the opportunity to advance this important legislation as an amendment to the bipartisan Endless Frontier Act. As prominent co-signers of a multi-stakeholder coalition letter in support of this amendment, ASOP Global supports Senators Cassidy and Durbin’s efforts to ensure the INFORM Consumers Act is included in this legislative package.
ASOP Global has consistently prioritized the development of structural and policy reforms to increase accountability and transparency of internet retailers. By requiring online marketplaces to collect and verify third-party seller information and require high-volume sellers to disclose contact information to consumers, this bill addresses the need for online transparency – a core ASOP Global policy priority.
The INFORM Consumers Act sends a powerful message to online criminals and internet scammers that they can no longer act anonymously and without punishment. We witnessed criminals’ attempts to capitalize on the lawlessness of the internet during the pandemic, creating 100,000+ new domain names containing COVID-19-related terms in March 2020 alone, 90% of which were registered anonymously. We are hopeful the INFORM Consumer Act will be a positive step to set an important federal policy precedent of ensuring criminals are identified and held accountable online.
ASOP Global will continue to serve as a resource for Congress as lawmakers work to reduce the illegal sale of online appearing via search results, social media, and e-commerce sites. We must prioritize public health and safety and end the enabling of bad actors from continuing their illegal practices.
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The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. with activities in 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.