President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has extended invitations to major technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Meta, for a meeting scheduled in mid-December to address the growing concern of online drug sales.
According to reports, representatives from Trump’s team, including Jim Carroll, who served as the drug czar during Trump’s first term, have reached out to these companies to discuss their priorities and challenges in combating the issue. The team aims to hear from the tech giants on how to enhance efforts to curb the sale of illegal drugs on their platforms.
In addition to these companies, the transition team has also contacted Snap and TikTok for participation. However, responses from the companies are still pending.
Trump has consistently emphasized the need to intensify actions against fentanyl trafficking, particularly from Mexico. He has threatened to impose tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada if these countries do not take stronger measures to reduce the influx of fentanyl and illegal migration into the United States. Furthermore, Trump has announced plans to launch a U.S. advertising campaign aimed at raising public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl use.
The involvement of tech companies is significant, as platforms like Meta have previously faced investigations regarding their roles in facilitating the sale of drugs on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Earlier this year, eBay agreed to a $59 million settlement with the Department of Justice over similar concerns.
The upcoming meeting underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies and technology companies in addressing the challenges of online drug trafficking. By working together, they aim to develop effective strategies to prevent the distribution of illegal substances online and protect public health.
Reference(s):
Trump's aides 'engage tech giants' to address online drug sales
cgtn.com
