According to an exclusive story in the Wall Street Journal, federal prosecutors in Virginia have initiated a criminal grand jury investigation into Meta Platforms, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, focusing on allegations of facilitating and profiting from illicit drug sales on its social media platforms. Documents and sources familiar with the matter reveal that subpoenas have been issued as part of this inquiry, seeking records related to drug-related content on Meta’s platforms and any involvement in the illegal sale of drugs.

“The sale of illicit drugs is against our policies, and we work to find and remove this content from our services,” stated a Meta spokesman in response to inquiries about the investigation. “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, recently announced the company’s participation in a joint initiative to disrupt the online sale of synthetic drugs and raise awareness about associated risks. “The opioid epidemic is a major public health issue that requires action from all parts of US society,” Clegg emphasized in a tweet.

In response to the investigation, Meta has engaged external partners to strengthen its efforts to prevent the promotion and sale of drugs on its platforms. “We have enlisted outside entities to screen advertisers and content that might violate rules regarding the promotion and sale of drugs,” a Meta spokesman confirmed.

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham previously collaborated with Facebook to identify and flag problematic content related to drug sales. However, a spokeswoman for the university clarified that it is no longer a current service provider for Meta.

The probe into Meta Platforms occurs amid broader scrutiny of social media companies’ responsibilities regarding harmful content, particularly content targeting young people. Discussions on tech companies’ accountability for third-party content, complicated by the provisions of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, have raised questions about online regulation and accountability in the digital age.

“While investigations of this nature may not always result in formal charges, they highlight the imperative of holding tech companies accountable for their role in addressing illegal activities online,” commented legal expert Jennifer Smith. “The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the regulatory landscape of social media platforms.”

As the investigation into Meta Platforms unfolds, it underscores the ongoing debate over online regulation and corporate responsibility in the digital landscape.