Prosecutors in Virginia are currently investigating Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook, over allegations that its social media platforms may have played a role in the illegal drug trade.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, the inquiry focuses on whether Meta’s platforms were used to facilitate and profit from the sale of illegal drugs.
This information comes from documents and sources familiar with the ongoing investigation.
Subpoenas issued last year have prompted the prosecutors to delve deeper, seeking records related to drug content and the illicit drug trade on Meta’s platforms as part of a criminal grand jury investigation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also reported to be assisting with this probe.
However, it’s important to note that such investigations do not necessarily imply guilt or lead to charges.
Meta has responded to these allegations, emphasizing its commitment to combatting the sale of illicit drugs on its platforms.
A company spokesman stated, “The sale of illicit drugs is against our policies and we work to find and remove this content from our services.”
He further highlighted Meta’s proactive efforts in cooperating with law enforcement to tackle the issue of illegal drug distribution online.
Requests for comments from the prosecutors’ office, the FDA, and Meta went unanswered by the Wall Street Journal.
Similarly, the Virginia Attorney General’s office did not provide immediate feedback when contacted by Reuters.
Amidst this scrutiny, Meta’s president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, announced on the social media platform X that Meta is collaborating with the U.S. State Department, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and Snapchat.
This partnership aims to disrupt the online sale of synthetic drugs and educate users on the risks associated with such activities.
This move underscores Meta’s commitment to addressing the complex challenge of drug trafficking on social media platforms.