For decades, our Consumer Watchdog team has conducted independent testing and research to identify dangers that can pose risks to our health, safety or well-being. And we’ve worked to strengthen rules protecting consumers, get unsafe products taken off the market, and promote policies and develop resources to better equip consumers to protect their own interests.

And we’ve had some success. We’ve helped to get toxic chemicals out of children’s art supplies, make prescription drugs safer and more affordable, helped to pass the nation's first auto Lemon Laws. Our research has led to recalls or other actions taken on over 150 dangerous toys and other children's projects.

Today’s internet-connected products pose new risks. Add to that the sheer volume of new products available, the ease with which we can purchase them, and changing materials and technologies, and it can be hard for people to protect themselves. In addition, the previous administration cut funding for consumer programs and placed opponents of consumer protection in charge of the agencies we count on to enforce important protections, so there are fewer resources and weaker enforcement to protect consumers, leaving us more vulnerable in the marketplace.

We need more independent testing, consumer education and targeted advocacy to preserve the protections we already have. That’s where you come in.