As the opioid crisis escalates in the U.S., President-elect Donald Trump is turning to major tech companies for help.
Trump’s transition team is reaching out to industry giants like Google, Microsoft, Meta, Snap, and TikTok to address the growing problem of illegal drug sales online, particularly the synthetic opioid fentanyl. A teleconference is planned for mid-December to discuss how these platforms can play a role in curbing the epidemic.
“The planned meeting is a critical step in engaging tech giants on this issue, focusing on increasing scrutiny of illegal activities on their platforms,” said Zhang Yong-an, a professor and director of the International Center for Drug Policy Studies at Shanghai University. “To effectively combat fentanyl trafficking, collaboration with tech companies is essential, especially for monitoring online drug markets.”
Opioid Crisis by the Numbers
Fentanyl has been a major driver behind the surge in overdose deaths in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 108,000 overdose fatalities in 2021 alone. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl have exacerbated the crisis, with online markets making these dangerous drugs more accessible than ever.
The Challenge of the Digital Age
The dark web and social media platforms have become critical hubs for illegal drug sales. “Blockchain technology and platforms like Tor have complicated efforts to track drug dealers,” Zhang explained. The anonymity provided by these technologies makes it harder for authorities to trace transactions and shut down illegal operations.
Notable dark web marketplaces like Silk Road and Dream Market have been hotspots for illicit activities, including drug trafficking. Even legitimate e-commerce platforms and social media sites are being exploited by criminals to distribute narcotics and sell drugs without prescriptions.
Trump’s Ongoing Efforts
Since his 2016 campaign, Trump has made combating the opioid epidemic a priority. He declared it a national public health emergency in 2017 and signed the INTERDICT Act in 2018, aiming to stop the flow of synthetic opioids into the country. Recently, he proposed tariffs on goods from countries like Mexico and Canada to pressure them into reducing fentanyl trafficking.
Balancing Privacy and Responsibility
The collaboration between government agencies and tech companies is not without challenges. “While Trump’s team is likely to push for stricter policies, it’s unclear how far companies will be willing to go in balancing privacy and accountability,” Zhang noted.
Tech companies operate internationally and must navigate diverse legal requirements while ensuring user privacy. “The question is how these companies can comply with varying legal frameworks without compromising privacy or freedom of expression,” Zhang said.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming meeting could lay the groundwork for future collaborations between the government and tech industry. By working together, there is potential to develop more effective solutions to curb the online distribution of illegal drugs and address the opioid crisis.
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Can Trump's push to engage tech companies curb online drug sales?
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