Meta platforms under investigation on how they played a role in illegal drug sales. Subpoenas that were delivered in the previous year reportedly asked about drug content, as well as telehealth provider ads on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram.
Meta Platforms Under Investigation
Federal prosecutors are reportedly investigating Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to determine if its social media platforms are being used to facilitate and profit from the illegal sale of drugs.
According to sources cited in a report by the Wall Street Journal, prosecutors have sent subpoenas to Meta seeking records related to “violative drug content” and the “illicit sale of drugs” on its platforms.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Meta stated that the sale of illicit drugs goes against their policies, and they actively work to identify and remove such content from their services. The company also emphasized its cooperation with law enforcement authorities to combat the sale and distribution of illicit drugs.
Meta Has Addressed the Accusations
While Meta has addressed the accusations, TikTok, another prominent social media platform, did not respond when asked whether it had received similar subpoenas from prosecutors.
Additionally, researchers who previously gathered data on prescription drug advertisements on Facebook for the Wall Street Journal in 2022 revealed that they had also received subpoenas related to their findings. Meta has yet to comment on this development.
Meta Has Joined Alliances to Prevent Drug Harms
In a related context, Meta’s president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, announced recently that the company had joined the Alliance to Prevent Drug Harms. This initiative underscores Meta’s commitment to addressing drug-related issues on its platforms.
Furthermore, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken disclosed during a session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs that collaborative efforts between the US, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and tech companies like Meta and Snapchat were underway to disrupt synthetic drug activity online.
What the Investigation into Meta’s Potential Involvement in Facilitating the Illegal Sale of Drugs Means
In summary, the investigation into Meta’s potential involvement in facilitating the illegal sale of drugs underscores the growing scrutiny faced by social media platforms regarding their content moderation practices and responsibilities in combating illicit activities online.
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