Yesterday, we covered three bills in Congress championed by the National Retail Federation that would require online marketplaces to keep extensive records on merchants and, on behalf of the government, secretly investigate those suspected of selling stolen goods. Trying to shore up support, a representative for the NRF compared online merchants to drug addicts who could help but steal to support their eBay habit.
Such statements peeved a lot of people, especially NetChoice, an ecommerce advocacy group. NetChoice executive director Steve DelBianco, who compared NRF exec Joe LaRocca’s remarks about the Internet causing theft to back seats causing sex, demanded a public apology earlier this week.
“There are millions of hard-working Americans who use the Internet to build a new business, reach new customers, or just to put a little extra cash in their pockets during tough times, and they play a critical role in our economy,” said DelBianco
“At a time when big companies are looking to the government for bailouts, these entrepreneurs are working to create new jobs, pay their taxes, and build something for their future. They are the true innovators — the hardest working, most productive workers in the world – and they deserve better than to be labeled as addicts and criminals by the mouthpiece for giant retail chains who are afraid of a little competition.”
LaRocca will not be moved, though, according to CNet:
“The testimony we submitted reflected the sentiments of many retailers that we work with,” he said. “It’s not to say all sellers in online marketplaces are involved in illegal activity, however, we’re finding the ease of selling these products online is luring people into this. It’s an issue we have worked closely with law enforcement over, with successful conclusions, however, we feel more needs to be done by online marketplaces.”
Sounds like he’s hooked on a feeling of a few retailers rather than hard evidence eBay and craigslist are gateway drugs. No doubt the Internet is likely a popular destination for fencers, but comparing online retailers to addicts and thieves is way across the line, and so are the proposed bills in Congress.
