Majority of Online Pharmacies Operate Illegally, USTR Report Warns

A USTR report reveals that 96% of online pharmacies worldwide are illegal, posing risks of counterfeit drugs to consumers.

67%

33%

This story was covered by 3 sources. This shows the distribution of these sources: left-leaning (blue), center (gray), and right-leaning (red).

Health

Reliable

The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.

Balanced

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story, verified by multiple sources.

The U.S. Trade Representative's annual report highlights that nearly all of the world's 35,000 online pharmacies are illegal, with 96% violating laws. Consumers face serious risks, including counterfeit or dangerous drugs. The report identifies specific countries and online retailers engaged in such illicit activities, referring to a startling survey indicating that almost one in four Americans using online pharmacies encounter substandard products. Authorities are taking steps to combat online piracy and counterfeit goods globally, but significant challenges remain, particularly with foreign pharmacy operations and the sourcing of illegal substances.

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From the Right

A recap of the main views or arguments shared by right-leaning sources.

The U.S. Trade Representative's annual report indicates that nearly all online pharmacies operate illegally, posing serious risks to consumers by offering ineffective or dangerous medications.
A significant percentage of Americans who have used these online pharmacies reported encountering counterfeit or harmful drugs, emphasizing the public health threat posed by these entities.
The report highlights ongoing global law enforcement efforts to combat counterfeit goods and drugs, with various international collaborations yielding some successes, but also stresses that many issues remain.

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Highlights (3)

Excerpts from the underlying articles that best reflect each outlet's unique perspective on this story.

Nearly all of the world’s 35,000 online pharmacies are being run illegally and consumers who use them risk getting ineffective or dangerous drugs, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s annual report on “ notorious markets.”
USTR warns of risks from online pharmacies in its 'notorious markets' report
ABC News
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
Nearly all of the world’s 35,000 online pharmacies are being run illegally and consumers who use them risk getting ineffective or dangerous drugs, according to the U.S. Trade Representative’s annual report on “notorious markets.”
US 'notorious markets' report warns of risks from online pharmacies
Associated Press
Reliable
The underlying sources consistently report facts with minimal bias. They demonstrate high-quality journalism and accuracy across multiple articles.
·Center
According to the U.S. Trade Representative’s annual report, nearly all of the world’s 35,000 online pharmacies are being run illegally and consumers who use them risk getting ineffective or dangerous drugs.
USTR Warns of Risks from Online Pharmacies in Its 'notorious Markets' Report
Newsmax
Mixed Reliable
The underlying sources have a mixed track record. They provide accurate information in some cases but are known to inject bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting. Read these stories cautiously and cross-check claims when possible.
·Right