Meta Has Run Hundreds of Ads for Cocaine, Opioids and Other Drugs

Instagram and Facebook, already under federal investigation, still collect revenue from ads that violate its policies

Read the original article on the Wall Street Journal website (subscription may be required)

Meta Platforms is running ads on Facebook and Instagram that steer users to online marketplaces for illegal drugs, months after The Wall Street Journal first reported that the social-media giant was facing a federal investigation over the practice.

The company has continued to collect revenue from ads that violate its policies, which ban promoting the sale of illicit or recreational drugs. A review by the Journal in July found dozens of ads marketing illegal substances such as cocaine and prescription opioids, including as recently as Friday. A separate analysis over recent months by an industry watchdog group found hundreds of such ads.

Translate »