Most human trafficking victims First meet their traffickers online.
Social media is a driving force in modern slavery, enabling criminals to entrappeople through friendship, romance and fake employment opportunities.
Online platforms make it easy for traffickers to identify potential victims, especially those who post personal information about their financial hardships, struggles with self-esteem, or family.
A global problem with devastating consequences
25M Slaves Globally
Are entrapped in sex work, domestic servitude, or other forced labor.
Fake Job Scams
Entrap many in the developing world, with promises of work abroad.
Children Targeted
On social media platforms like Instagram & Snapchat, & then sex trafficked.
The Facebook Files revealed that Meta Inc. knows it profits off domestic servitude and sex trafficking networks that operate on its platforms, but has done little to block them.
Protect Yourself Online and Know the Warning Signs
If someone pushes you to accept a job – or romance proposal – right away or lose the chance, that’s a red flag!
If someone wants your ID handed over, or asks you to send them a gift card or make a payment, that’s a red flag!
If the person is threatening you or your family, or treating you abusively, that’s also a red flag!
Lock Your Social Media Accounts! Only let people you know see what you post. Turn off location sharing, and don’t put up too much about your personal life, like where you live, or your relationship status.
NOT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW
Globally, most laws remain inadequate
Tech platforms are liable for hosting human trafficking content in the U.S. and the EU, but victims in most of the world have no path to justice.
Tech companies, especially Meta Inc, are moving to encrypt their platforms, which will actually help traffickers and other criminals cover their tracks.
ACCO believes tech companies should be liable for any human trafficking they host, anywhere.
ACCO Activists in Africa are spreading the word about online entrapment
Our team of comedians and musicians has developed an innovative program they present in schools, clubs and youth events that uses comedy and music to train young people to protect themselves online.
DOWNLoaD THE ACCO Human Trafficking Fact Sheet
It’s free to download a pdf copy, but please consider making a $10 donation towards our research.
Media Coverage
