Image credit: The Byteline

President-elect Donald Trump's transition team has initiated discussions with major tech companies, including Google, Meta, and Snap, to address the growing issue of online drug sales.

According to The Information, the meeting is set to take place in mid-December and will involve representatives from Google, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Snap, and TikTok.

The outreach comes as part of Trump’s pledge to combat fentanyl trafficking and its devastating impact on American communities. During his campaign, Trump vowed to pressure Mexico and Canada to curb the flow of illegal drugs into the United States, threatening steep tariffs if progress is not made. He also announced plans for a large-scale advertising campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.

Jim Carroll, the drug czar during Trump’s first term, and members of the transition team reached out to staffers from the invited tech companies, requesting input on their priorities and the challenges they face in combating drug sales online. The meeting aims to explore solutions for preventing the sale of illegal substances across digital platforms.

While the companies have not yet responded to requests for comment, the engagement underscores the administration’s focus on enlisting Silicon Valley’s support to address this critical issue.

The move comes amid increased scrutiny of tech platforms for their role in enabling online drug sales. In March, U.S. prosecutors launched an investigation into Meta’s potential involvement in profiting from drug-related activities on Facebook and Instagram. Earlier this year, eBay settled allegations with the U.S. Department of Justice, agreeing to pay $59 million and enhance compliance measures after being accused of facilitating the sale of devices used to produce counterfeit drugs, including fentanyl-laced pills.

This outreach to tech giants reflects a broader effort to hold digital platforms accountable for their role in addressing public health crises. As the transition team seeks input from leading tech companies, the outcomes of these discussions could lead to heightened regulatory scrutiny and the implementation of stricter measures to combat illegal online drug sales.

Trump’s focus on tackling fentanyl and online drug trafficking signals a continuation of his administration’s hardline stance on both border security and public health, with significant implications for the tech sector and international relations.

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