ASOP Global Statement On Congressional Hearings With Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg
We applaud the concern and leadership for protecting consumers from illegal online sales demonstrated by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Rep. David McKinley (R-WV), Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) at this week’s Congressional Hearings with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The Members’ questions come at a critical time when the opioid crisis in their home states of West Virginia, Florida, and North Dakota – and across America – has focused government attention on the role Internet technology plays in this public health epidemic.
Recently members of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary issued letters to Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and Pinterest urging them to clamp down on illegal online drug sales and advertising via their platforms. Just last week, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb called for Internet providers and social media websites to take action to rid the Web of the illegal sales of opioids.
We look forward to tech companies’ response to Congress and the Administration’s calls to take stronger, proactive steps to stop illegal online pharmacy websites and social media posts that offer opioids and other prescription medicines without a prescription. Many tech companies already prohibit illegal online drug sellers from buying ads, but additional proactive efforts to demote or delist illegal sellers and promote legitimate pharmacies and medication information are needed to benefit public health and safety. ASOP Global welcomes the opportunity to work with Congress, the Administration, and the tech community to develop and implement these and other solutions to help curb illegal online sales of prescription medicines and opioids.
ABOUT THE ALLIANCE FOR SAFE ONLINE PHARMACIES
The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global), a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. with operations in U.S., Canada, Europe, India and Asia, is dedicated to protecting consumers around the world, ensuring safe access to medications, and combating illegal online drug sellers
MEDIA CONTACT
Scott Circle
202-695-8224