The role of technology in human trafficking

The role of technology in human traffickingTRACE Final Conference, 28 April 2016, Brussels

Anna DonovanTrilateral Research Ltd., London

@TRACE_EU http://trace-project.eu

Technology for:

▪ Facilitation▪ recruitment▪ Exploitation

▪ Prevention

▪ To combat human trafficking

▪ The role emerging technologies

What we did and why we did it?

1. Identify & map different types of technologies being used to faciliate, prevent and combat

1. CATEGORIES: 1. WEB –BASED (internet, applications & software)2. HARDWARE

2. Assess this use

3. Identify future trends in technology and human trafficking

4. Develop recommendations for the TRACE target audience1. Policy makers2. Law enforcement agencies3. Civil society organisations

Technology facilitated trafficking

▪ Technology facilitated trafficking: “[…]the social and technical ecosystem wherein individuals use information and communication technologies to engage in human trafficking and related behaviors (Latonero et al)▪ recruitment▪exploitation

Technology facilitated trafficking

Web based (internet, applications & software)• Social networking sites• Advertising and classifieds• Applications (Instagram, Skype etc.)

• Web sites, including Dark Web• Online dating sites• Online forums

• Peer to peer networks

Hardware• Cameras, video and image and

other recording devices• Telephone, mobile & landline• Desktop computers, laptops &

tablets• Scanners• Television programming

services

Technology facilitated trafficking Example: facilitating – recruitment – online

dating websites

x European national, accepts y’s marriage proposal after a two-year relationship using the online dating site eHarmony. Once in the UK & residing at y’s home, x & daughter were forced to work long hours without pay, verbally abused and held captive inside the home. (2010)

Key findings: Technology uses to help combat human trafficking

Web-based (internet, applications and software)• Case management tools• Facial reconstruction software• Databases• e-Learning training platforms• Case management tools• Geographic information systems• Financial tracking• I2 Software• Supply chain management tool kits

Hardware•CCTV

• Routers and backup devices

Technology to help combat human trafficking Example: Combat – UNODC case law database

• Publicly available repository of summaries and full court cases to support successful convictions

• 30 April 2014, more than 1000 cases from 83 countries.

• People can contribute new cases by directly contacting the UNODC.

Key findings: Technology uses to help prevent human trafficking

Web-based (internet, applications & software)• Applications• Crowdfunding• E-learning training programmes & platforms

• Websites (generic & other)• Financial tracking• Online petitions• Social networking sites

Hardware• Television• Telephone

Technology use to prevent human trafficking Example: Preventing – social media – awareness raising

Emerging Technologies/ future trends

Big DataDigital

Currencies

RPAS

Geographical mapping

Tailored search engines

Looking for more information?

TRACE Briefing paper TRACE reportTRACE Handbook

Further information is available on the TRACE website.

[email protected]

@TRACE_EUhttp://trace-

project.eu

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