Trade of prohibited substances has evolved to adapt to modern technologies by utilizing social networks and messengers. Emoji symbols such as snowflakes, hearts, grapes, and others are used to identify substances, enabling users to conceal illegal activities.
Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, X, Telegram, and WhatsApp are increasingly being used for such transactions, as noted in a report by the European drug agency. Research conducted in 2012 showed that up to 20% of transactions involving prohibited substances in Ireland were carried out through social networks by 2021.
While online purchases allow for quality control through user reviews and often offer a wider assortment at lower prices compared to traditional transactions, the safety and reliability of these products remain uncertain. The UN reports an increase in the use of social networks for retail transactions, despite street trade still being prevalent.
Social networks also provide access to vulnerable groups, as warned by the US Drug Control. Companies that own social networks are taking steps to combat violations, with Instagram and Facebook deleting accounts related to prohibited substances in 2023 and Snapchat removing over 240 thousand accounts. However, algorithms sometimes mistakenly block pages of organizations working to prevent harm from prohibited substances.
Research indicates that 60% of adolescents have come across content related to prohibited substances, with 10% reporting purchases through social networks. Efforts to improve algorithms for identifying such content are ongoing, but eradicating the issue entirely remains a challenge.
Telegram has recently strengthened its policies in response to this issue, implementing rules for sharing data upon law enforcement requests. This update to their privacy policy has affected Telegram’s reputation as a platform for anonymous communication, prompting concerns within the Cybercrimans Community about potentially transitioning to other platforms.
*META and its products have been deemed extremist, leading to their prohibition in the Russian Federation.