Instagram, the photo-fueled social media network, has recently blocked search terms associated with illegal activities. Specifically, the ability to search and post images of drug related sales have been removed.
A spokeswoman for the social media network said, “Instagram has a clear set of rules about what is and isn’t allowed on the site,” in a recent report to BBC. “We encourage people who come across illegal or inappropriate content to report it to us using the built-in reporting tools next to every photo, video, or comment, so we can take action.”
Facebook, the company that owns Instagram, has similar rules and policies.
Though marijuana is the most popular drug being shown and sold via Instagram, there are reports of sales of prescription pills such as Xanax and Roxicodone and amphetamine-related substances such as MDMA or ecstasy.
Investigators claim that the use of social media is becoming more and more widespread for this type of use because of its ease of use and, surprisingly, because of its anonymousness.
There have been other instances of illegal sales on social networking sites in the past. Perhaps just as dangerous as the commerce of guns on Instagram is the sale of guns and other illegal weapons. Not long ago, a U.S. senator wrote to the company asking them to look into reports of these kinds of illegal trades, according to BBC.
Photo courtesy of Twitter
