How social media became a storefront for deadly fake pills

AP Technology Writer

Fentanyl overdoses have become a leading cause of death for minors in the last 5 years or so — and social media, where tainted, fake prescription drugs can be obtained with just a few clicks, is part of the problem. Experts say companies like Snap, Telegram and Meta, which owns Instagram, are not doing enough to keep children safe. As recently as a decade ago, people looking to buy illicit drugs online would visit the dark web. But since then, using popular social media sites, encrypted chat platforms, legitimate payment platforms and shipping services, dealers moved into the light.