The tech industry wades into the fight against opioid abuse
Facebook, Google, and Twitter have announced a partnership to share best practices and seek effective ways to fight opioid addiction.
The U.S. government has done a lot over the last several months to try to stem the growing opioid epidemic, including declaring it a public health emergency, and most recently, passing a bipartisan bill providing funds and resources to combat it. But, as with all government regulation, implementation new measures is moving at a snail’s pace.
Enter the private sector.
Three internet giants have joined forces to combat opioid addiction in America. Facebook, Google, and Twitter announced Tuesday that they are partnering as Tech Together to Fight the Opioid Crisis, allowing the companies to share best practices and seek effective ways to fight addiction to these dangerous drugs.
Kevin Martin, Facebook’s vice president of U.S. Public Policy, said the effort will be led by the Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies (CSIP), a consortium formed by stakeholders to address internet pharmacy issues.
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“When it comes to this crisis, the internet has undoubtedly been used both as a force for good and ill,” Martin said. “By forging partnerships, building technology, and supporting communities we believe we can lift up the good and defend against the bad — increasing awareness of resources and support while also enforcing our longstanding policies that keep our community safe.”
At an online conference, Marjorie Clifton, executive director of CSIP, joined with other experts to discuss the role of tech in addressing opioid addiction. “In the technology space, what our tech companies have recognized is that they have the power to connect—they have the power to be a platform,” she said. “One of the reasons tech has stepped forward to join the conversation and be helpful is to use their platforms in the best way they can. Because this will require all hands on deck.”
Some of the steps the partnership will be taking include working with local and national experts, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Facing Addiction, and the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. Martin said these efforts will help to reduce stigma around opioid addiction, help people find resources, and stop attempts to violate online policies.
In addition, the groups will work with the Computer Forensic Research Lab at the University of Alabama in Birmingham to understand the online tactics bad actors use to mask their activity. “UAB works closely with our Community Operations team to flag content that may violate our policies so we can take action,” Martin said.
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