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Senators press law enforcement on social media's role in fentanyl sales and recruitment; call for platform accountability
Summary
Lawmakers told DEA, HSI and FBI witnesses that social media platforms are being used to sell fentanyl, recruit smugglers and expose agents; witnesses confirmed platforms are used in investigations and urged accountability and tools to respond to online threats and doxxing.
Senators from both parties told witnesses that social media platforms — including apps with disappearing messages and mapping features — are being used to sell fentanyl, recruit drivers and dox law-enforcement personnel. Senator Josh Hawley highlighted testimony from a mother who lost a child to a fentanyl overdose she traced to a Snapchat message and argued for legal accountability for platforms.
Witnesses confirmed the platforms' role in trafficking and recruitment. "Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Are involved in it," Matthew Allen said when asked whether…
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