Columbia Standard

During a recent executive business meeting, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin addressed the need to hold social media companies accountable for their role in online fentanyl sales. The discussion took place as part of considerations for the HALT Fentanyl Act.

Durbin proposed an amendment to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which currently provides liability protection to tech companies. However, he withdrew the amendment after reaching an agreement with Senator Chuck Grassley to collaborate on this issue.

The meeting concluded without any action taken on the bill. Durbin highlighted that "fentanyl has emerged as the deadliest drug in American history" and stressed that evidence-based solutions have been effective in reducing overdose deaths.

He acknowledged efforts made by law enforcement and emphasized that addressing social media's role is crucial, citing estimates from the National Crime Prevention Council that attribute 80% of teen and young adult fentanyl poisonings to social media platforms.

Durbin stated, "Getting fentanyl off the streets is a herculean task that will require us all to put politics aside." He further criticized social media companies for not being cooperative enough when needed and called for direct action in regulating these platforms as part of combating fentanyl use.