Federal authorities investigating Meta for possible role in illicit drug sales on Facebook: Report

The parent company of Facebook and Instagram, Meta, is reportedly under federal scrutiny in the United States. Authorities are investigating potential drug dealing on Facebook, with Virginia prosecutors actively examining allegations that Meta facilitated illegal drug sales online, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Facebook said people used its services because it delivered value for them and "they have meaningful control of what information they share on Meta's platforms and who with."(Reuters)

According to a report published Sunday, citing sources familiar with the investigation and obtained documents, prosecutors issued subpoenas last year. These court orders require individuals involved in the investigation to appear before a grand jury. The prosecutors have since been asking questions as part of a criminal probe. Further, the report cites prosecutors who have also requested records related to "violative drug content on Meta’s platforms and/or the illicit sale of drugs via Meta’s platforms," according to the subpoenas.