A website highlighting social media platforms’ involvement in alleged and indicted cases was launched Monday by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.
Mayes says the goal of the website is to be a tool for the general public when looking at specific cases of social media platforms in correlation with alleged illegal activities, like drug trafficking, gang involvement and human trafficking.
“Not everybody in Arizona is aware that this is happening on social media sites yet,” Mayes said. “And hopefully by shaming them it will push social media companies like Snapchat and Instagram and Telegram and Twitter to do better and be better.”
Arizona is one of the first states with a website dedicated to highlighting social media platforms in lawsuits and criminal cases, according to Mayes.
Thirteen percent of social media posts are promoting drug sales, according to a National Institute of Health study.
“This is about saving Arizona lives and continuing to do everything we can to combat the fentanyl crisis in our state,” Mays said.
Mayes said this website is a tool to gain information and transparency about what is on social media.
“I want to let teenagers know that, you know this is a huge problem and it can end their lives or dramatically impact their lives forever,” Mayes said. “I want parents to know this is the kind of thing their kiddos could be seeing.”
