Meta is reportedly under investigation over allegations of its social media platforms being used for illicit drugs sales, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Virginia prosecutors, along with the Food and Drug Administration, have been reported to be sending subpoenas to the social media giant to explain reports of "violative drug content" and actual drug sales on Meta's platforms.
Meta denied the allegations, claiming that it "proactively cooperates with law enforcement authorities to help combat the sale and distribution of illicit drugs."
Reports of illegal and unauthorized drugs being promoted on Meta's platforms have been well documented, going back as far as 2022.
The report was published after Meta's president of global affairs Nick Clegg announced that the company is joining the Alliance to Prevent Drug Harms to "help disrupt the sale of synthetic drugs online."
Meta Under Scrutiny Over Harmful Content on its Platforms
Allegations of an illegal drug trade on Meta's platforms are only the latest set of concerns thrown against the company over reports of harmful content on the site.
Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has earlier been scrutinized for endangering minors on its platform, allowing sex predators and harassers to target children online.
Released court documents on Meta's policies have also further set the company under fire for gross negligence in responding to reports of child exploitation on Facebook and Instagram.
Following callouts from parents, watchdogs, and lawmakers, Meta has employed outside groups to screen all the ads and content shown to users.
This is in addition to the numerous new policies rolled out to make it more difficult for harassers to contact children and teens.
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Lawmakers Push for Stricter Regulations on Social Media
Following the series of platform safety concerns under Meta, several lawmakers have been pushing to make social media companies more responsible to their users.
There is the proposed Kids Online Safety Act, which Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg denied endorsing, gaining traction after recent changes in its provisions against suppressing online speech.
This is in addition to the mountain of lawsuits filed against Meta to improve its safety guidelines and algorithm.
However, most demands for change remain in limbo due to the Communications Decency Act, preventing online platforms from being liable for content posted by third parties.
