• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Editor's Pick Lawmakers ask Mark Zuckerberg to show how Facebook, Instagram are addressing illicit drug ads
Editor's Pick

Lawmakers ask Mark Zuckerberg to show how Facebook, Instagram are addressing illicit drug ads

by August 16, 2024
by August 16, 2024 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

A bipartisan group of lawmakers sent Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg a letter on Thursday expressing concern that the company is failing to prevent illicit drug advertisements from running on its platform.

The House members cited recent reports from The Wall Street Journal and nonprofit Tech Transparency Project, which uncovered a flood of ads on Facebook and Instagram that pointed users to third-party services where they could purchase prescription pills, cocaine and other recreational drugs.

“On March 16, 2024, the Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. federal prosecutors have been investigating Meta for facilitating the sale of illicit drugs,” the lawmakers wrote. “Instead of quickly addressing the issue and fully removing the illicit content, on July 31, 2024, the Wall Street Journal again reported that Meta was ‘“running ads on Facebook and Instagram that steer users to online marketplaces for illegal drugs.’”

Most troubling, they wrote, is that Meta continues to run ads despite the company facing an investigation by U.S. federal prosecutors “for facilitating the sale of illicit drugs.”

The letter’s 19 authors include Reps. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Lori Trahan (D-Mass.). They noted that the illicit drug ads were “approved and monetized by Meta” and that they were not hidden on the dark web or private social media pages. Media outlets and researchers could easily find the ads, which contained “contained blatant references to illegal drugs,” while Meta’s internal processes apparently missed them.

“Time and time again we have heard from Meta that users come to your platforms because they like the personalization and experiences you provide, and you use sensitive personal information to direct such personalization through content and advertisements,” the lawmakers wrote. “We in Congress, on multiple occasions, have worked to establish data privacy and security protections for Americans but have, in each instance, been met with friction and opposition from Meta with claims that we would drastically disrupt this personalization you are providing.”

They sent Zuckerberg a list of 15 questions intended to uncover more details about how Meta is addressing the problem, and asked him to respond by Sept. 6.

Meta confirmed receipt of the letter and said it plans to respond. The company shared with CNBC the same statement it gave the Journal for its initial story.

“Drug dealers are criminals who work across platforms and communities, which is why we work with law enforcement to help combat this activity. Our systems are designed to proactively detect and enforce against violating content, and we reject hundreds of thousands of ads for violating our drug policies. We continue to invest resources and further improve our enforcement on this kind of content. Our hearts go out to those suffering from the tragic consequences of this epidemic — it requires all of us to work together to stop it.”

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • As inflation cools, Social Security could pay out a smaller COLA increase
  • Taxpayers are getting less money from their refunds this year as the inflation struggle persists
  • Amazon gets FAA approval for new delivery drone as it begins tests in Arizona
  • Federal Reserve again keeps interest rates steady as inflation cools
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
Recalled cucumbers linked to at least 449 illnesses have been pulled from stores, CDC says
next post
Jane Fonda says Harris-Walz ticket is ‘only hope’ to beat ‘orange man’ in campaign call with climate activists

You may also like

Chick-fil-A asks customers to throw out Polynesian sauce packets over...

March 7, 2024

Meme stock mania is back: Why everyone is talking about...

May 16, 2024

Trump Media stock erases all gains since it began trading...

April 11, 2024

Tesla CFO Zach Kirkhorn steps down

August 9, 2023

Tesla asks shareholders to vote again on Musk’s $56 billion...

April 18, 2024

Applebee’s owner Dine Brands to lean on value, marketing to...

March 7, 2025

New home construction jumps, raising hopes for better housing market

December 20, 2023

Grand Canyon University, largest for-profit college, fined $37.7 million

November 1, 2023

Peloton announces Ford exec, founder of Apple Fitness+ Peter Stern...

November 1, 2024

Chick-fil-A announces shift from ‘no antibiotics’ in chicken pledge

March 27, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • OpenAI to release web browser in challenge to Google Chrome

      July 10, 2025
    • Sports executive charged with bid-rigging in Texas arena project

      July 10, 2025
    • How I Triple My Returns With 3x Leveraged ETFs!

      July 10, 2025
    • Want Faster, Lower Risk Trades? Use This Setup

      July 9, 2025
    • The Seasonality Trend Driving XLK and XLI to New Highs

      July 9, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 3,630 views
    • 2

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,919 views
    • 3

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,607 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,576 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,449 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,169)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,661)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 2

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 3

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • OpenAI to release web browser in challenge to Google Chrome

      July 10, 2025
    • Sports executive charged with bid-rigging in Texas arena project

      July 10, 2025
    • How I Triple My Returns With 3x Leveraged ETFs!

      July 10, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,169)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,661)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Weeks before DeSantis takeover, Disney gave...

    March 31, 2023

    Nvidia CEO says he was wrong...

    March 21, 2025

    Trump Media stock erases all gains...

    April 11, 2024
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here