Illicit COVID-19 products online: A mixed-method approach for identifying and preventing online health risks.
Valeria CatalaniHonor D TownshendMariya PrilutskayaRobert P ChilcottAntonio MetastasioHani BanayotiTim McSweeneyOrnella CorazzaPublished in: PloS one (2023)
This study is one of the first attempts to identify the availability of unlicenced COVID-19 products on DWMs. The easy accessibility to vaccines, fake test certificates and hypothetical/illegal cures poses serious health risks to (potential) buyers due to the uncontrolled nature of such products. It also exposes buyers to an unwanted contact with vendors selling a variety of other dangerous illicit goods. Further monitoring and regulatory responses should be implemented to protect the health and safety of citizens especially at times of global crisis.