But activists and other groups have warned tech companies about illegal drug sales on their platforms for years. The algorithms that power social media spread illicit content — from illegal drug ads to misinformation and hate speech — faster than the companies know how to take it down. Social media companies, including Instagram, are facing growing pressure to address open drug sales on their platforms. (Most drug posts included explicit instructions to avoid “DMs,” or direct messages, on Instagram itself. This month, Instagram also launched a pop-up notification that appears when someone searches hashtags for opioids, prescription medications or illegal drugs.

Source: Washington Post September 25, 2018 23:27 UTC