WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 30, 2025
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) issued a sharp rebuke to Snapchat, accusing the social media platform of inadequately addressing the sale of deadly drugs, particularly fentanyl, despite its public support for National Fentanyl Awareness Day.
In a pointed letter to Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel, Grassley highlighted cases where Snapchat allegedly permitted known drug dealers to continue using its services even after law enforcement notified the platform. One notable incident occurred in October 2024 in Thurston County, Washington, where a dealer reportedly continued selling drugs to minors via Snapchat for months after authorities issued a search warrant. Tragically, a 16-year-old boy died after unknowingly purchasing fentanyl disguised as MDMA from this dealer. (Read more about fentanyl awareness and dangers)
Grassley particularly criticized Snapchat’s in-app reporting feature, describing it as ineffective. He cited compelling testimony from Bridgett Norring, a mother whose son died from fentanyl poisoning. According to Norring, Snapchat ignored her reports or issued only temporary account suspensions, allowing dealers to swiftly return under new usernames.
The senator also questioned Snapchat’s use of Section 230 immunity, a legal protection for platforms against liability related to user-generated content. Grassley argued that Section 230 should not shield companies from accountability when their platforms contribute directly to real-world harm.
Grassley has given Snap Inc. until May 29, 2025, to respond formally, requesting detailed descriptions of measures implemented to enhance the platform’s safety features, improve reporting mechanisms, and prevent multiple-account abuse by drug dealers.
This incident highlights growing scrutiny over social media companies’ responsibility to prevent illegal activities on their platforms, especially drug sales targeting vulnerable youth populations.