WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 14, 2021  – With its hearing today on the INFORM Consumers Act, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce took an important step toward better protecting American consumers from counterfeit goods sold online. The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global) applauds Congress for moving the INFORM Consumers Act quickly through the legislative process and urges the bill’s swift passage to send a powerful message to online criminals that they can no longer act anonymously and without punishment.

Fake drugs peddled by illegal online drug sellers are dangerous and often deadly. The coronavirus pandemic has compounded this public health threat with an explosion of malicious COVID-related websites designed to scam patients with fake cures and treatments. At the same time, knowledge about how and where to access safe, legitimate medicine online remains low. In a troubling finding, 45% of Americans erroneously believe that all websites offering health care services and/or prescription medications via the internet have FDA or state regulator approval.

The INFORM Consumers Act requires transparency of online marketplaces by verifying high-volume sellers and providing consumers with contact information of those sellers. This legislation demands transparency and ensures accountability from online marketplaces to protect consumers from purchasing counterfeit, dangerous, or defective products.

ASOP Global will continue to serve as a resource as lawmakers work to prevent illegal counterfeit drugs from appearing in online search results, social media, and e-commerce sites by passing this important legislation.

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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 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.