Consumers Deserve Peace of Mind When Shopping Online

RILA Senior Executive Vice President, Public Affairs Michael Hanson issued the following statement as the Senate Judiciary Committee holds a hearing, “Cleaning Up Online Marketplaces: Protecting Against Stolen, Counterfeit, and Unsafe Goods”.

“Today’s hearing will expose the exponential growth of criminals selling counterfeit and stolen goods through online third-party marketplaces. The anonymity afforded con artists and criminal networks has allowed dangerous knockoffs, tampered products, and stolen goods to flourish, putting consumers and communities at risk. 

“As we will learn from the hearing witnesses today, this problem not only hurts consumers, but it impacts businesses large and small, and has a significant impact on the U.S. economy, as well. The INFORM Consumers Act would require basic transparency and verification on e-commerce platforms, making it harder for bad actors to hide behind screennames and fake business information. Transparency is key to breaking this corrosive and illegal business model of those peddling counterfeit and stolen goods. It’s a commonsense, bipartisan solution that retailers large and small, and now the majority of e-commerce platforms support.”  

“We’re glad that Congress is shining a light on this issue now and are hopeful that a solution is within reach so consumers can shop with confidence that the items they bring into their homes are safe.”
 

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.
 

Tags

• Organized Retail Crime
• Public Policy
• Supporting Free Markets and Fostering Innovation
• Asset Protection