Use of technology in human trafficking networks and sexual exploitation: A cross-sectional multi-country study

Abstract

There are few data on the use of technology in human trafficking. This study attempted to address this gap in knowledge through field surveys that took place in India, Nepal, Thailand, Hungary, and the United Kingdom between 2010 and 2013. This research comprised face-to-face interviews with a total number of 246 individuals in 5 countries, consisting of 97 female victims, 64 traffickers, and 85 clients. The interviews were designed to help understand the role of technology such as the Internet, online social networking, and mobile phones in human trafficking. The survey was carried out using semi-structured questionnaires to find out how victims used technological devices under pre- and post-trafficking circumstances, how they advertised themselves, how diverse services and technologies were used to trade in sexually exploited trafficked people, and how clients explored, communicated, and paid for their sex transactions. The results showed that traffickers and their networks made good use of sophisticate...