New Texas Law Raises Penalties for Crimes Using Social Media

Starting September 1, 2025, Texas passed a new law that makes punishments tougher if someone uses social media to commit certain crimes, especially drug dealing.

This law, called Senate Bill 1833, was created after a spike in fentanyl overdoses linked to drugs being sold through apps and social platforms. Basically, if someone sells or arranges drugs using social media, even through private DMs, their sentence can be bumped up to the next level.

@sparkslawfirm New Law In Texas Effective Immediately! Social Media can DOUBLE your prison time. #texas #criminalprison #dealing #dfw #directmessageonsocialmedia #insta #FB ♬ original sound - Sparks Law Firm

New Texas Law Increases Sentences for Online Drug Crimes

For example:

Before the law, a third-degree felony for drug crimes could mean 2 to 10 years in prison.

With social media involved, that same crime could become a second-degree felony, raising the penalty to 2 to 20 years.

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But the law doesn’t stop at drug crimes. The Texas Legislature also passed other rules about online activity that start on the same day:

Deepfakes: Making or sharing fake explicit images or videos with AI, without someone’s consent, is now a crime and can lead to lawsuits.

Online impersonation: Pretending to be someone else online to trick or hurt others can bring new legal trouble.

Doxxing public officials: Sharing a public servant’s private info to threaten them or their family is now illegal.

AI fraud: Using AI to create fake media or phishing scams to steal money can carry really serious charges—even up to a first-degree felony.