Target: Kurt Erik Lindqvist, President of International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN)
Goal: Prevent operation of dishonest online pharmacies that sell suspect medications to consumers.
As consumers search for fast and convenient methods to meet their long-term health needs, online pharmacies have arisen as an enticing alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar outlets. Typically, orders for online pharmacies are placed through the internet and delivered via mail. But with convenience comes rising risk.
While traditional pharmacies must be certified and abide by a strict set of standards, not all online pharmacies are created equal. Suspect online retailers may not provide the right medication or may offer it in dosages different than a prescription would recommend. The product may also be damaged once it reaches a consumer’s doorstep because of deficient mailing methods. Signs that an online pharmacy may not be reputable include the lack of requirement of a doctor’s prescription, absent or fraudulent licensure, medication or mailing that looks different from what you expected (or that is expired), and too-good-to-be-true prices.
While online pharmacies in the United States must meet standards set forth in legislation like the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, illegal overseas operations are still thriving and endangering consumers. Sign the petition below to demand vigilance and action against this ongoing lapse in consumer healthcare protection.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Lindqvist,
The rise of illegal and unsafe online pharmacies poses an ongoing threat to consumers of medicine around the world. When improperly approved or vetted medication falls into a consumer’s hands, it can result in mild health complications and financial strain at best and death at worst. The Food and Drug Administration has asked for this agency’s assistance in confronting the danger posed by these illegal operations, but so far ICANN has washed its hands of the problem.
Yet one of ICANN’s core principles is to maintain stability and operation in the online world. Bad actors like these pharmacies threaten that mission. Please reevaluate your stance and join with the FDA in ending a serious risk to consumer protection and to your organizational mission.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Alexandros Chatzidimos
39 Signatures