Duval Times

Senators Rick Scott and Jeanne Shaheen have reintroduced the Stopping Online Confusion for Investigative Agencies and Law-enforcement by Maintaining Evidence Determined Interparty Arrangements (SOCIAL MEDIA) Act. The legislation aims to equip law enforcement with tools to tackle the sale of dangerous drugs and illicit activities on social media platforms.

The bipartisan bill seeks to enhance collaboration between law enforcement agencies and social media companies in criminal investigations. It also encourages these platforms to adopt best practices in combating illegal drug sales.

Senator Rick Scott stated, “As parents and grandparents, we do everything in our power to keep our kids safe, from the dangers in the world, including deadly drugs like fentanyl. The fentanyl crisis is a heartbreaking epidemic that’s killing more than 70,000 Americans every year – and while President Trump works hard to stop the flow of these drugs into our nation, Congress must take action on our end to address this crisis on every level. I’ve talked to so many parents and law enforcement officers about how these drugs are now making their way to our communities and in our kids’ hands through social media apps, with dealers specifically targeting kids, causing deadly overdoses and getting away with it. Enough is enough. Our bipartisan bill, the SOCIAL MEDIA Act will give law enforcement additional tools to combat deadly fentanyl sales online, hold drug dealers accountable and fight this epidemic to save lives.”

Senator Jeanne Shaheen commented on the ongoing substance use crisis affecting New Hampshire communities: “The substance use crisis continues to wreak havoc in communities across New Hampshire – and tragically, we’ve seen how social media apps make it easier for young people to get their hands on deadly drugs like fentanyl. Our bipartisan SOCIAL MEDIA Act would crack down on the illicit drug sales happening on social media by strengthening coordination between law enforcement and social media companies to prevent future overdoses.”