WASHINGTON — Senator Dick Durbin called for stronger accountability from social media companies during a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on the HALT Fentanyl Act. Durbin pushed to repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields tech companies from liability for content posted by users, arguing that it’s crucial for victims of online fentanyl sales to have the ability to sue. While he withdrew his amendment after reaching an agreement with Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to collaborate on the issue, Durbin stressed the need for more direct action.
“The National Crime Prevention Council estimates that 80 percent, 80 percent of teen and young adult fentanyl poisoning can be traced to social media,” he said.
The meeting ended without action on the bill.
