These steps are intended to combat the 'Fentanyl Epidemic,' which has become a major problem in the United States. And messaging platforms like Snapchat make it simple for dealers to communicate with kids in order to sell these illegal substances. Snapchat also claims to be focusing on enhancing its systems for detecting drug-related material, as well as supporting law enforcement authorities with their investigations.
Snapchat and other social media platforms have been in the spotlight following the accidental deaths of several US teenagers as a result of fentanyl-laced pills sold online. These phoney medicines are allegedly being marketed on prominent social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat.
According to Snapchat, the app would no longer display accounts of 13 to 17-year-olds in Quick Add unless they have 'a particular amount of accounts in common.' While the move will not prevent adults and kids from totally engaging, it may make it more difficult for strangers to find teens they do not already know.
According to the blog post, Snapchat is taking these steps to curb the 'fentanyl epidemic' and prevent drug traffickers from engaging with youngsters on the platform. Snapchat and other social networking platforms have been in the spotlight following the unintentional deaths of several US teenagers as a result of fentanyl-laced drugs sold online. These fake medications are apparently distributed on applications like Instagram and Snapchat, with over 93,000 deaths by 2020.
Following reports of overdoses linked to drugs purchased through Snapchat, lawmakers and safety advocates have urged Snapchat to do more to keep dealers off the service. Snapchat also stated that it has upgraded its ability to proactively detect 'drug-related content' on its platform, with AI currently detecting 88 per cent of 'drug-related content.' The company's law enforcement staff has also risen by 74 per cent to preserve and release data in response to law enforcement requests.
Snapchat said in a blog post that it is also working on more parental controls that will be added to the app in the coming months.
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