Digital Space to be Governed by Law
Legislation to be introduced and enforced so all digital media become responsible technologies that uphold human dignity.
Digital technology can provide solutions to human trafficking. However, criminals work fast to exploit opportunities to make money and create methods that outwit the authorities. Digital technology is used by traffickers to recruit, aid, abet, transfer profits and sell live time online exploitation.
Currently, police forces, charities and oversight bodies try to disrupt or monitor online criminality. With the vast amount of criminal transactions online, the authorities are limited by resources, capacity and expertise.
As police struggle to respond to online criminality, including human trafficking, providers of internet and technology services must take up their responsibilities. The introduction of apps for parents, or programmes for schools is not sufficient. Safety should be built into devices and services, not an added extra in the form of an app. Voluntary codes or commitments are not sufficient to prevent the internet from being used as an instrument to aid, abet and procure crimes of human trafficking and modern slavery.
The digital space should be governed by laws and regulations we expect in all public spaces. Digital and tech companies must be held responsible for safety and governance of online activity.
The Santa Marta Group will:
- Encourage the G20 to introduce a commitment in the Leaders’ Declaration to legislate for an internet free from enablers of human trafficking and modern slavery.
- Work with the EU and member states to sensitise legislators of the extent of this criminal enterprise.
- Work with ethical leaders from the technology sector to negotiate change within the industry.
- Identify and commission applied rigorous analysis to examine the extent of human trafficking on the internet, its causes and its value to the traffickers’ business model.
- Help communities to become more aware of the use of technology as an enabler of human trafficking and modern slavery.
How will we know if it is working:
- The G20 Leaders Declaration would include an agreement for legislative measures to prevent online enabling of human trafficking and modern slavery.
- The EU would legislate for a ban against online exploitation.
- Applied research would be produced to provide evidence of the extent of online activity to enable or encourage human trafficking and modern slavery.
- More public awareness, understanding and accountability.
Priority 4 - International Instruments
Legislation to be introduced and enforced so all digital media become responsible technologies that uphold human dignity.
