PHOENIX — A new webpage launched by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office allows the public to learn about criminal cases social media companies are involved in.
The purpose of the page is to inform people about the way their favorite apps may be facilitating illegal activity, especially fentanyl trafficking, according to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.
As of Monday, the webpage lists indictments against the companies behind Instagram, Snapchat and Telegram.
New webpage identifies social media companies accused of facilitating drug trafficking
“For too long, social media companies have turned a blind eye to how their platforms are used by drug traffickers — especially to target young people,” Mayes said in a Monday news release. “We will call it out, case by case, and hold these companies publicly accountable.”
A 2023 study from the National Institute of Health found up to 13% of social media posts promote the sale of illegal drugs.
Furthermore, 80% of fentanyl poisoning deaths among teens and young adults can be traced to social media, according to the National Crime Prevention Council.
Mayes started the website because she believes Arizonans have a right to know when social media apps are accused of enabling crimes such as human trafficking, fraud, gang recruitment, drug trafficking and more.
“It’s about transparency,” Mayes said. “It’s about responsibility. And it’s about telling these companies: Arizona is watching.”
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