Sherrie Caltagirone

Effective Counter-Trafficking Policy

In the digital age, human trafficking has evolved into a complex system that leverages the power of technology to build supply chains, create sophisticated communication techniques, and protect criminals from scrutiny, particularly online.  As such, website shutdowns are an important component of counter-trafficking operations.  However, they are just one step necessary in a coordinated, holistic approach that ultimately raises risk and cost to traffickers to unacceptable levels.  An intelligence-led disruption campaign may include a website shutdown, dozens of arrests, asset confiscation, banishment from transportation services, and more.  The key to this multi-pronged approach is that we allow the data to inform the response.  When the community works together, we can affect real demand reduction which will also reduce supply.  Global Emancipation Network has a unique view of the human trafficking challenge, and we’ve seen firsthand the force multiplier effect data- and technology-led programs have through government and law enforcement with many of our friends and partners.

Guiding Principles

We recommend the community fighting this battle move forward together with the following principles in mind:

  • Prioritize a victim-centered approach
  • Inform response with data
  • Protect individuals and organizations actively combatting trafficking
  • Ensure better outcomes with cooperation

Strengthening a Data Approach

Effective policy in the counter-trafficking space breaks down data silos and enables stakeholders to cooperate seamlessly with one another to identify victims and traffickers.  More specifically, the best policies:

  • Create and maintain a data-sharing architecture across jurisdictional boundaries which supports appropriate data privacy, compliance, and mandatory sharing requirements;
  • Enable intelligence, data analytics, predictive modeling, and survivor experiences to inform legislative efforts, resource allocation, and disruption activities; and
  • Empower and encourage individuals, NGOs, and online content platforms to aid and cooperate with law enforcement efforts without risk of liability.

Policy Recommendations

With these goals in mind, Global Emancipation Network commits to providing the underlying data and technology necessary to enable policymakers to create meaningful, effective counter-trafficking legislation that rescues and restores survivors of human trafficking.  Policymakers must:

  • Narrowly define what it means to have knowledge of or intent to host illicit material, including trafficking content;
  • Create and support funding for data-led, technology-driven anti-trafficking efforts including the research and development of tools and technologies that can be harnessed by the stakeholder community;
  • Enable counter-trafficking organizations to equip and support law and technology; and
  • Ensure congruency between local, state, national, and international legislation.

A steadfast dedication and relentless focus on the mission we all share are required to turn the table on traffickers. In future blog posts, we will further describe these goals and the vision Global Emancipation Network has for achieving these objectives.  We also welcome input from legislators and other counter-trafficking stakeholders as we form this coalition that empowers each of us to achieve our missions toward ending global human trafficking.

blankRead Here– Global Emancipation Network’s Letter to the US Senate on the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017 and the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017