Leaders Address the Intersection of Technology and Human Trafficking

Libertas 11022024 EFM 08 In November 2024, current and former diplomats, leaders from non-governmental organizations, and Hill staffers gathered in Washington, DC to discuss strategies for combating human trafficking in the context of emerging technologies.

Gudrun Kugler, Member of the Austrian Parliament and Vice President of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, emphasized the critical role of international cooperation and the need for clear guidelines regarding the use of technology in addressing human trafficking. The conversation highlighted the potential of new technologies as valuable tools in this fight, as well as their dangers. The discussion also covered the issue of accountability of internet platforms, their role in online trafficking prevention, and strategies to raise awareness about human trafficking.

This dinner is part of a series of working groups to develop a set of guidelines on the intersection of human trafficking and technology. The goal is to establish common, exemplary guidelines to help countries create a “safe, predictable, trusted online environment” (2024 European Union's Digital Services Act), hold traffickers (individuals and companies benefiting from human trafficking) accountable, and protect survivors.