The trafficking of women remains a critical concern worldwide. Recent reports indicate that approximately 800,000 individuals are trafficked across international borders annually, with women and girls constituting about 54% of the victims. Despite global efforts, fewer than 50,000 victims are identified and rescued each year. According to the latest data from the International Labour Organization (ILO), around 50 million people are living in modern slavery worldwide. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, comprising nearly 71% of all modern slavery victims. This underscores the need to address the plight of vulnerable women and enhance international cooperation to combat human trafficking effectively​.

With the dynamic development of communication technology, social media has emerged as a rapidly growing form of digital media that is increasingly accepted by the public. Social media platforms are characterised by high openness and strong interactivity, which, coupled with the ability to conceal information and facilitate easy camouflage, provide ample opportunities for human traffickers. This raises an important question: does social media offer an opportunity or a more significant challenge in combating trafficking in women?

In this piece, we explore the dual role of social media in both facilitating and combating the trafficking of women in Asia.

The Challenge: ‘The Vanished Woman’

The advent of digital media has shifted many aspects of human trafficking online. Criminals are now increasingly using social media and chat software to conduct their illicit activities, proliferating their trafficking operations and control victims.

In India, a recent case involved a young woman named Sindhu from a rural village in Hyderabad, who was lured by a fake job offer posted on Facebook. She was trafficked to Saudi Arabia but was later rescued after activists from the Centre for Indian Migration Studies (CIMS) identified the suspicious posts and coordinated with local authorities. Similarly, in Thailand, social media has been used to advertise and traffic women for sex tourism, posing a significant challenge to the Royal Thai Police (RTP) and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

The Opportunity: ‘The Discovered Woman’

While social media has opened new avenues for exploitation, it also serves as a powerful weapon against traffickers. In particular, social media’s highly informative nature allows police and NGOs to find victims and perpetrators faster using big data.

The Global Emancipation Network (GEN) exemplifies this approach by employing advanced data analysis to disrupt trafficking, conduct effective relief operations, inform policy and restore dignity to victims. Founder Sherrie Caltagirone developed Minerva, a tool supported by Microsoft and Splunk, to collect and analyse data such as phone numbers, photos, geolocation and social media accounts. In one year alone, Minerva tracked the identities of 22,000 victims and located 989 traffickers.

In the Philippines, the use of data analytics has led to the identification and rescue of numerous women and children trafficked for sexual exploitation. By monitoring social media and chat applications, local authorities and NGOs have been able to intervene more effectively and dismantle trafficking networks. However, the project faces challenges, including unstable funding, a common issue for non-profit programs and research initiatives. In fact, the most recent comprehensive data available from Minerva dates back to 2018, indicating a lack of updated information about its current impact and activities.

Secondary Harm of Social Media

While social media can aid in combating trafficking, it can also cause secondary harm to rescued women. Survivors may face psychological damage caused by the exposure of their personal information online. Effective reintegration into society requires not only physical rescue but also psychological recovery, legal assistance and compensation.

In Australia, there have been numerous cases involving the trafficking of women for forced labour and sexual exploitation, particularly from Southeast Asia. These women often fall victim to deceptive recruitment practices advertised on social media platforms. The Australian Federal Police (AFP), along with the Department of Home Affairs and various NGOs, are actively working to combat these trafficking networks. Their efforts include rescuing victims, providing safe accommodation, placing travel restrictions, and offering psychological and legal support. For example, between July 2021 and November 2022, the AFP protected 53 potential victims, with a significant portion being women and children.

Real-World Examples of Social Media’s Dual Role

One stark example of social media’s dual role in trafficking comes from a recent case in Bangladesh. A young woman named Saeeda was lured into a trafficking ring through an invitation to a TikTok party, promising her a modelling job in India. The traffickers used TikTok to communicate and coordinate her transport. However, the same platform also enabled her rescue. After one of the victims escaped and shared her ordeal, activists and law enforcement monitoring TikTok identified the posts, alerted the authorities and coordinated a rescue operation. The gang leader and his associates were arrested in India. This case underscores how social media can be both a tool for traffickers and a resource for rescuers​.

In another instance, social media awareness campaigns have led to the rescue of multiple victims. A notable example is when an Indian train passenger used X (formerly Twitter) to report a suspicious situation involving 26 girls who appeared distressed. His tweet prompted a swift response from the authorities, who boarded the train, rescued the girls, and arrested the traffickers. This case highlights how social media can mobilize rapid intervention and support to rescue trafficking victims.

Technology Companies’ Responsibility

Technology companies have a crucial role in combating human trafficking, but their efforts vary significantly. Global platforms like Meta, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok are under pressure to improve their detection and prevention of trafficking activities. This includes using artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify suspicious patterns and content. While some companies are taking significant steps, others are still lagging behind. For instance, Facebook has introduced measures to improve reporting and removal of trafficking-related content, such as blocking certain keywords and partnering with organisations like Polaris, who operate the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline. However, these measures are often reactive rather than proactive, showing a need for continuous improvement. In contrast, platforms like Reddit have been criticised for inadequate responses and slow implementation of anti-trafficking measures, demonstrating a disparity in commitment across the industry.

In Asia, the efforts of tech companies to combat trafficking present a mixed picture. In Thailand for example, the government and Facebook use AI to track and report trafficking, which is showing positive outcomes. In Japan, tech companies are criticised for slow responses, with activists urging more proactive measures. In South Korea, NGOs work with KakaoTalk Corp to monitor and report trafficking in real-time, though enforcing and updating these measures remains challenging.

The Way Forward

Social media presents both opportunities and challenges in combating trafficking in women, and its effectiveness depends on responsible use. To maximise its opportunity, each part of society has a role to play. Governments must enhance legal frameworks to protect victims and prosecute traffickers, while NGOs provide critical rescue and rehabilitation services​​​​. Tech companies should improve detection and prevention mechanisms using AI and collaborate with law enforcement for rapid intervention​​. Social media platforms play a crucial role by providing a medium for communication and coordination across borders, facilitating real-time communication and information-sharing for these initiatives. Public awareness campaigns can empower communities to act against trafficking, and comprehensive support for survivors, including psychological counselling and legal aid, is crucial for their reintegration into society.

Only an integrated effort through global cooperation can create a safer environment for women and reduce human trafficking.

Feature image: Photo by Marjan Grabowski on Unsplash