Combating Human Trafficking in the Digital Age
Human trafficking is a pressing global issue that has evolved with the rise of digital technology. On February 7, 2025, Justice Shri V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India, inaugurated a significant conference titled “Combating Human Trafficking in the Digital Era.” This event was organized in collaboration with Hidayatullah National Law University in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The conference aimed to address the alarming ways in which digital technologies are being exploited for human trafficking. Experts, law enforcement officials, and activists gathered to discuss the role of the internet, social media, and cryptocurrency in facilitating trafficking crimes. They also explored how technology and community engagement can help prevent these heinous acts.
The Growing Threat of Cyber-Enabled Trafficking
During the conference, Justice Ramasubramanian addressed the audience virtually, emphasizing the various forms of digital trafficking. He pointed out that human trafficking now includes sexual exploitation, labor exploitation, organ trafficking, and forced marriage. The Chairperson introduced two recruitment methods that exploit digital technology: “Active Recruitment,” or Hook Fishing, and “Passive Recruitment,” known as Net Fishing. These methods lure vulnerable individuals into dangerous situations, often through deceptive online interactions.
The discussion highlighted the urgent need for increased awareness about the risks associated with engaging in digital spaces. Justice Ramasubramanian stressed that educating the public is crucial for ensuring safety in an increasingly digital world. He also called for strengthening regulatory frameworks and institutional responses to effectively combat the misuse of digital platforms. This includes the development of technological solutions that can help identify and prevent trafficking activities online. The conference served as a platform to raise awareness about these issues and to foster collaboration among various stakeholders in the fight against human trafficking.
Thematic Sessions: Legal Perspectives and Preventive Strategies
The conference was structured into two thematic sessions. The first session focused on the role of the internet in facilitating human trafficking and migrant smuggling. Chaired by Smt. Bhamathi Balasubramanian, IAS (Retd.), this session featured discussions on the legal, administrative, and regulatory perspectives surrounding these issues. Experts such as Dr. K.V.K. Santhy and Shri Kirtan Rathore contributed valuable insights into the factors that contribute to human trafficking, particularly its gendered dimensions.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on migrant smuggling in India. Participants examined recruitment strategies and coordination networks that facilitate this crime. They also addressed the persistent issue of non-reporting of trafficking cases, particularly in Chhattisgarh. The role of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) was highlighted as crucial in tackling these challenges. The session concluded with a call for developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) tailored to the digital era, emphasizing the importance of using technology, including artificial intelligence and digital forensics, to track and prevent trafficking cases.
The second session shifted focus to preventive strategies against human trafficking. Chaired by Dr. Manish Mishra, this session brought together a diverse panel of experts, including representatives from UNICEF and various NGOs. The discussions revolved around the roles of technology, law enforcement, victim support, and community engagement in combating trafficking. Participants emphasized the need for collaboration among governments, NGOs, and technology companies to create a robust response to this global crisis.
Key Recommendations for Combating Human Trafficking
The conference concluded with several key recommendations aimed at addressing the growing challenge of human trafficking in the digital age. One of the primary suggestions was to amend the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) to provide clearer distinctions between child and adult trafficking. This amendment would also include specific provisions for cyber trafficking, ensuring that the law keeps pace with evolving threats.
Another recommendation was to establish a formal linkage between the ITPA and the Information Technology Act. This would help fill existing legal gaps and address trafficking in the digital realm more effectively. Additionally, increasing awareness about self-reporting portals, such as the Centralized Complaint and Prevention of Women and Children (CCPWC), was deemed essential for public participation in reporting trafficking cases.
Experts also called for equipping and training AHTUs to combat trafficking in the digital era. Systematic collection of authentic data on human trafficking across different categories was highlighted as necessary for informing policies and interventions. Finally, community engagement was emphasized as a critical component in combating trafficking. Encouraging local communities to take an active role in preventing and reporting such crimes can significantly enhance efforts to combat this global issue.
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