AAFA flags counterfeit concerns on social media platforms in US

This is the second time AAFA has highlighted Facebook in its submission for the Office of the US Trade Representative’s (USTR) Notorious Markets report, and follows increased focus on the role of social media in facilitating the sale of counterfeits online, the association said in a media release.

Earlier this year, AAFA released a report ‘Dupe Influencers: The Concerning Trend of Promoting Counterfeit Apparel, Footwear, and Accessories on Social Media’ with analysis of the alarming behaviour that has generated millions of views, likes and shares of content directly related to the advertisement and sale of counterfeit goods online.

AAFA nominated three other platforms — Tokopedia, Bukalapak, and Shoppee — in its submission this year.

Steve Lamar, president and CEO of the American Apparel & Footwear Association, said “Counterfeits – which are far too easy to find online these days — are a scourge on our society. Counterfeiters steal American intellectual property, destroy American jobs, traffic in unsafe products, and ignore responsible factory conditions.

“Most people don’t want to buy counterfeits, but they often end up with them anyway because many social media sites and third-party platforms do not do a good enough job vetting sellers and providing transparency to users and consumers. This is why, AAFA is supporting the SHOP SAFE Act and the INFORM Consumers Act — two measures that will make it difficult for counterfeiters to ship their illicit merchandise to unsuspecting consumers — that are currently moving in Congress. This is also why the Notorious Markets process is such an important tool in the fight against illicit goods, as it holds those who do not meet basic standards accountable to the public.”

The Notorious Markets list identifies marketplaces that purportedly engage in and facilitate substantial copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting. AAFA focused this year’s submission on foreign and domestic e-commerce platforms.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)