Avoid 'Mandated Requirements' in Curbing Pirated Goods, CCIA Urges Administration

Sustaining the rise of e-commerce wouldn't be “possible without user trust in online services,” commented the Computer & Communications Industry Association Monday in the Trump administration’s inquiry into the trafficking of counterfeit goods. President Donald Trump’s April 3 memorandum said the Commerce Department would collaborate with other federal agencies on a report due Oct. 30 with recommendations how to curb the illicit trafficking. Internet companies “across the spectrum devote significant resources to maintaining trust in online purchases,” said CCIA. “Combating counterfeit and pirated goods online is central to these efforts.” The administration’s study “could help ensure that online sales are trusted environments, and that digital e-commerce can continue to grow and benefit sellers of all sizes,” it said. “CCIA encourages the relevant agencies to take into account all of the existing work and vigorous attention to this issue,” while steering clear of “mandated requirements” that would have “significant consequences for smaller competitors,” it said. It also sought “better facilitation of information sharing between enforcement agencies,” including Customs and Border Protection, to fight counterfeits.