Federal authorities are currently investigating Meta Platforms, the conglomerate behind popular social media outlets Facebook and Instagram, for their potential involvement in the facilitation of illegal online drug sales.
This inquiry, spearheaded by United States prosecutors based in Virginia, has involved the issuance of subpoenas to determine if these platforms have contributed to or benefited from the trafficking of prohibited substances.
The investigation focuses on the extent to which Meta’s platforms may have been used for the promotion and sale of illegal drugs.
Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that prosecutors are seeking information on any content related to drug violations or the illicit drug trade occurring through Meta’s networks.
The interest in Meta’s role has been heightened by the surge in online prescription drug advertisements during the COVID-19 pandemic, where telehealth companies extensively used Facebook and Instagram to market medications for conditions such as ADHD and anxiety. According to the Wall Street Journal, these advertisements have been linked to the misuse of controlled substances, including Adderall.
The report also highlighted instances of sellers marketing counterfeit versions of weight loss drugs through Meta’s platforms, some of which lack FDA approval. Despite efforts to remove such ads, new ones emerged shortly after. The subpoenas were initiated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Ramseyer, known for his investigation into Purdue Pharma and featured in the Hulu miniseries “Dopesick,” which delves into the opioid crisis in the United States.
Meta has stated its commitment to combating the online sale of synthetic drugs, emphasizing its policy against the sale of illicit drugs on its platforms.
“The sale of illicit drugs is against our policies and we work to find and remove this content from our services,” a Meta spokesman stated.
He added, “Meta proactively cooperates with law enforcement authorities to help combat the sale and distribution of illicit drugs.”
Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, stated, “The opioid epidemic is a major public health issue that requires action from all parts of U.S. society.”
This isn’t the first instance Facebook’s parent company has faced legal action from attorneys in the United States.
Last year, in Delaware, a lawsuit was initiated by various investment funds alleging that Meta’s directors and senior executives have been aware for a long time of widespread human trafficking and child sexual exploitation on Facebook and Instagram yet have neglected to address such predatory behavior.
David Ross, representing Meta, contended that the lawsuit should be dismissed as the alleged actions of the company’s leaders haven’t resulted in Meta experiencing “corporate trauma,” as mandated by Delaware law.
The company also contends that the claims in the lawsuit are grounded in speculation regarding potential future harm or losses.
Lawmakers have faced obstacles in their endeavors to hold Big Tech accountable for content posted by third parties on their platforms due to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. This provision stipulates that online platforms are generally not liable for third-party content, with some exceptions.
