New “Buycott” App Draws Media Attention
A new mobile application that allows consumers to learn more about the company and manufacturing process behind a specific product has attracted nationwide media attention, with ABC News “Technology Review” recently naming it “App of the Week.” Created by Los Angeles based developer Ivan Pardo, the “Buycott” app encourages consumers to scan product barcodes to determine whether the purchase conflicts with any causes identified by the user, who can decide to join preexisting Buycott campaigns or create new ones based on individual concerns. For example, as a May 14 Forbes article explains, the “Demand GMO Labeling” campaign will tell consumers if a box of cereal “was made by one of the 36 corporations that donated more than $150,000 to oppose the mandatory labeling of genetically modified food.”
In addition to helping consumers source products, Buycott reportedly supplies company information ranging from “phone numbers, emails, social media accounts, and headquarters location… to a family tree that lists off all related companies and shows you how they are connected.” It also asks users to contribute knowledge about companies and products to its growing database, which Buycott’s developer admits is “rich, but ultimately limited” and not guaranteed for accuracy. See Digital Trends, May 25, 2013.
