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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 Corazza
Published 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.
Keyphrases
  • coronavirus disease
  • sars cov
  • health information
  • public health
  • social media
  • healthcare
  • transcription factor
  • mental health
  • human health
  • respiratory syndrome coronavirus
  • climate change