As the U.S. battles an escalating opioid crisis, President-elect Donald Trump is dialing up the pressure on tech giants to help curb the online sale of illegal drugs, especially the notorious synthetic opioid, fentanyl.
In a bold move, Trump's transition team is set to host a teleconference in mid-December with big players like Google, Microsoft, Meta, Snap, and TikTok. The aim? To rally the tech world in the fight against the opioid epidemic that's gripping the nation.
\"The planned meeting is a critical step in engaging tech giants on this issue,\" Zhang Yong-an, professor and director of the International Center for Drug Policy Studies (ICDPS) at Shanghai University, told CGTN. \"It's an acknowledgment by Trump's team that, to effectively combat fentanyl trafficking, collaboration with tech companies is essential, especially for monitoring online drug markets.\"
The opioid crisis isn't just numbers on a chart—it's real lives lost. In 2023 alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 108,000 overdose fatalities, with fentanyl being a major culprit. This potent synthetic opioid has been flooding online markets, making it alarmingly accessible.
A 2024 study from Johns Hopkins revealed that synthetic opioids like fentanyl have exacerbated the crisis, thanks in part to the ease of purchasing drugs online. With just a few clicks, these dangerous substances can find their way into communities.
By bringing tech companies into the conversation, there's hope that the online avenues fueling the epidemic can be shut down. \"Tech platforms have a responsibility to ensure their services aren't exploited for illegal activities,\" Zhang added.
As Trump prepares to take office, this collaborative effort could mark a turning point in how the U.S. tackles the opioid crisis. It's a reminder that when leaders and innovators come together, real change is possible.
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Can Trump's push to engage tech companies curb online drug sales?
cgtn.com
