Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced the launch of a new webpage aimed at holding social media companies accountable for their alleged role in facilitating illegal activities. This initiative seeks to provide transparency by displaying cases, indictments, and convictions where social media platforms are implicated in criminal activities.
"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," stated Attorney General Mayes. "We will call it out, case by case, and hold these companies publicly accountable. It’s about transparency. It’s about responsibility. And it’s about telling these companies: Arizona is watching."
Social media platforms have been identified as enablers of illegal activities, including drug trafficking and fraud. A 2023 study by the National Institute of Health indicated that up to 13% of social media posts promoted illicit drug sales. Additionally, the National Crime Prevention Council estimates that 80% of teen and young adult fentanyl poisoning deaths can be linked to some form of social media contact.
The newly launched 'Holding Social Media Companies Accountable' page currently lists seven indictments involving platforms such as Instagram (a Meta Platforms company), Snap Inc.'s Snapchat, and Telegram Messenger Inc.'s Telegram. Despite Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act providing legal protection for these companies against actions taken by third-party actors on their platforms, this webpage aims to highlight their role in enabling illegal activities like fentanyl trafficking.
Attorney General Mayes' office has collaborated with local, state, and federal agencies to curb the flow of illegal substances into Arizona since 2022. These efforts have resulted in the seizure of over 25 million fentanyl pills and more than 405 pounds of fentanyl powder.
This initiative follows previous actions taken by Attorney General Mayes against major tech firms. In 2023, she joined other states in suing Meta Platforms for alleged violations related to consumer protection laws and COPPA. More recently, she urged Meta Platforms to enhance user account protections against scammers.