Use of Social Networking Technology in Sex Trafficking

This study leads the way to comprehend the need for further research on technology security in the fight against sex trafficking, exploring the ways the Internet and social media can both enable and combat against sex trafficking.

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Online sex trafficking is a global problem and requires cooperation and coordination among governments, tech companies, civil society, and survivors. The rise of the Internet and mobile phone usage can work in support of sex traffickers, helping them to keep a low profile and facilitating human trafficking rings on a global scale—especially for commercial sex exploitation, where sex traffickers use the Internet as a tool to target vulnerable women and children. However, online outreach and social media are also critical to combating and preventing sex trafficking. The Internet fuels anti-trafficking measures by raising awareness, mobilizing advocacy, and strengthening programs, as well as providing victims with access to information about rehabilitation and reintegration services. Based on the theoretical and empirical evidence from Northeast India, Use of Social Networking Technology in Sex Trafficking leads the way to comprehend the need for further research on technology security in the fight against sex trafficking.