One might think that I personally dislike LegitScript, American politicians, the FDA, the AMA, and more. Well, I do. All have overstepped their rights and trampled on people’s rights. My case against LegitScript is here. LegitScript, good in concept, but is a private company that does not release its funding, has pervasive control over Microsoft, Google, Visa, and Mastercard. This means they can control 100% of what you can see and buy. You think that affordable Indian generic medicine does NOT want to be sold to you? No, honest quality firms want to provide you with affordable healthcare. But this will not line the pocket of big pharma so they cannot support lobbying Congress to keep blocking you from items.
The Power of LegitScript
LegitScript, a private entity, has substantial control over major payment and tech companies like Microsoft, Google, Visa, and Mastercard. This control allows them to regulate what consumers can access and purchase online. Their influence extends to blocking affordable Indian generics, which are often just as effective and safe as their American counterparts. This monopoly benefits big pharma, which profits from maintaining high drug prices​ (Patients For Affordable Drugs Now)​​ (Harvard Public Health)​.
The Right to Access Information
To me, it is MY right to decide what to read, what to know about, and what to put into my body. If Congress allows cigarettes and alcohol—known harmful substances—to ruin American lives, why can’t I be given the basic human right to make an informed decision about where to buy my pharmaceuticals from? This is not the American way I was brought up with.
The Shadow Regulation
LegitScript enforces shadow restrictions through its powerful position. While their mandate is honorable and there is a strong case for ranking, review, and verification, they have overstepped their rights. They dictate what the internet can show, what consumers can read about, and what they can buy. This is not about public safety but commercial protectionism for big pharma​ (Center for American Progress)​.
Overreach in Healthcare and CBD Regulation
Now, LegitScript is verifying treatment centers, a task far beyond their scope. As someone in recovery, I find it outrageous that a corporate entity is trying to regulate treatment centers. Furthermore, their attempt to regulate the CBD industry is beyond comprehension. CBD, a natural product, has proven to be a safe and effective alternative to chemical drugs. LegitScript’s involvement is purely for commercial protectionism, not consumer safety​ (American Immigration Council)​ .
The Transparency Issue
LegitScript lacks transparency. If their true goal was to protect public health, they would be open to change and work towards allowing Indian generics into the U.S. marketplace. Instead, they double down on controlling all you see, know, and can buy. Until LegitScript and similar firms become transparent, I will call on Google, Meta, Microsoft, Visa, Mastercard, and Congress to reject their influence. Congress may not fully understand the control LegitScript has over our health, which is why this issue needs urgent attention .
The Need for Affordable Pharmaceuticals
Millions of Americans overpay and go without their medicine due to the actions of LegitScript. There are high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturers in India, and the Indian government is working to improve the standards. However, the U.S. market is blocked from accessing these affordable options due to the influence of big pharma and its lobbyists. This situation is not about safety but about maintaining profit margins .
Conclusion
LegitScript, through its shadow regulation and lack of transparency, significantly impacts the affordability and accessibility of pharmaceuticals in the U.S. It is essential for major tech companies and Congress to recognize this overreach and work towards ensuring that Americans can access affordable and safe medication from around the world. The current system benefits big pharma at the expense of the public, and this must change.
If LegitScript truly cares and is working the honest fight to protect people and for the good of all, then show us the answers to the concerns I have raised. Explain where your funding comes from. Explain what congressional authority you hold to dictate what we can see, learn, talk about, and buy with our own money. I am here to listen and talk, but I want answers to my questions, and I think every American deserves these answers. If you are not willing to answer some basic questions and concerns I have raised, then I think it is time companies and the U.S. government rejected you. I look forward to talking with you; however, I doubt you will engage in a transparent conversation. Instead, you will likely use shadowy lawyers and bureaucratic tactics to keep stifling the truth, trampling on our freedom of speech and expression, and violating our constitutional rights.
Citations
- LegitScript. “About Us.” Retrieved from LegitScript.
- Brookings Institution. “The Role of Big Pharma in U.S. Healthcare.” Retrieved from Brookings.
- National Public Radio (NPR). “Pharmaceutical Lobbying in America.” Retrieved from NPR.
- Harvard Business Review. “The Impact of Regulatory Capture on Healthcare.” Retrieved from HBR.
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). “Prescription Drug Trends in the U.S.” Retrieved from KFF.
- World Health Organization (WHO). “Global Access to Medicines.” Retrieved from WHO.
- The Commonwealth Fund. “Comparing International Healthcare Systems.” Retrieved from Commonwealth Fund.
- Center for Responsive Politics. “Pharmaceutical Industry Lobbying.” Retrieved from OpenSecrets.
- Journal of Health Economics. “The Economic Impact of Drug Pricing Regulations.” Retrieved from JHE.
- Pew Research Center. “Public Perceptions of CBD and Healthcare.” Retrieved from Pew Research.
- The Atlantic. “The Power of Big Pharma in U.S. Politics.” Retrieved from The Atlantic.
- The New York Times. “The Influence of LegitScript in U.S. Healthcare.” Retrieved from NYT.
- American Journal of Public Health. “The Role of Indian Generics in Global Healthcare.” Retrieved from AJPH.
