Snapchat in the Spotlight: A Landmark Ruling on Drug Sales Liability

In October 2022, a group of families who lost children to fentanyl sold over Snapchat filed a lawsuit against the company, in Los Angeles County Superior Court. According to the legal filings, several of the plaintiffs had met with Snapchat executives in April of 2021.

During that meeting the plaintiffs allege Snapchat executives told them the company was immunized from civil liability by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. On January 2, 2024, in what may turn out to be one of the most significant legal decisions of the decade, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lawrence Riff ruled the case would go forward.

This is the first time in history a social media company is subject to claims it facilitated illegal and fatal drug sales.

Join retired California Highway Patrol Chief Mark Garrett and retired DEA Special Agent in Charge Bill Bodner on Episode 6 of the Truth Nation Podcast as they discuss the ruling, the specific allegations in this case, how drugs are sold using the Snapchat platform, and how social media platforms use an outdated Section 230 as a shield to selectively censor and put profits before safety. If you’re the parent of a child under the age 18, this is a must listen!

00:00 Law enabling harm to children via social media needs revisiting for regulation.
04:33 Warnings about drug trafficking on Snapchat's Snap Map.
08:39 Snap executives deny liability for AI-driven content, pleading Section 230 immunity.
10:48 Social media trends and AI impact on legislation discussed.
15:41 Concern about redefining services, protection of section 230.
18:33 Social media platforms can access and manipulate content for advertising. Privacy is uncertain.
20:09 Social media platforms manipulate content for profit, failing to adhere to content standards.
24:17 Opposition to the 55 mph speed limit, support for government involvement in internet regulation, and concerns about civil liability for harmful online content.
29:36 Argues liability for platforms in creative process. Proactive role carries liability.
30:26 Protection dissolved when company pushes harmful, unsolicited content. Need recourse.
34:16 Disappearing Snap messages attract younger users, raising concerns about illicit content.
39:03 14 bills aim to amend Section 230, including ones to repeal, limit scope, and impose regulations. Examples include discouraging internet censorship and removing protections for market dominant computer services. Originated from 2020 presidential campaign cycle.
41:19 Platforms biased, failing to keep content objective. Not living up to past agreements.
44:19 Platform owners prioritize ideology over profitability, believing most people align with their views.
48:19 Discussing age ratings for digital platforms and the need for government regulation.
50:29 Parents should be responsible, but platforms need regulation due to explicit content.
55:58 New parenting challenges, Snapchat used for drug trafficking.
57:34 Technology connects friends, but also poses dangers like drug access and online predators.

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