Child Trafficking Internet Online Exploitation Analysis

Before I read the articles and watched the video, my understanding of online child sex trafficking was limited to general knowledge about human trafficking and exploitation. I never really thought about traffickers using the Internet to advertise victims, including children, but I guess I underestimated the extent of the problem. I was unaware that victims could be sold multiple times per day, like trading stocks, and that traffickers used online classified ad sites as a tool for these crimes. My understanding was informed mainly by headlines and news reports rather than actual research. I also did not really comprehend the extent to which online platforms have been normalizing and expanding the market for this kind of abuse. The realization that websites like Backpage.com could be hosting these advertisements and facilitating trafficking operations is shocking.

Online advertisements increase victims’ exposure to abuse and make their exploitation even more profitable for traffickers. According to the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (2018), traffickers use Internet technology to reach a bigger audience and because they can hide their identities and evade law enforcement. Online platforms reduce traffickers’ operational risks and costs while increasing victims’ vulnerability. Maras (2017) points out that online classified ad sites give traffickers a low-risk way to advertise victims under coded language, which makes it difficult for authorities to intervene. Additionally, the United States Senate report (2017) on Backpage.com shows that the platform knowingly facilitates trafficking by allowing and even editing ads to avoid detection. This lets traffickers continue to exploit victims without ever facing justice.

The legal immunity provided to online platforms under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act created a loophole that allowed sites like Backpage.com to profit from trafficking-related advertisements. I definitely support the government’s decision to shut down Backpage.com and prosecute its executives. The United States Senate (2017) report exposes how Backpage.com actively participated in trafficking facilitation, proving that the platform was not a neutral intermediary. Maras (2017) also shows that online classified sites have let traffickers operate in an unregulated space to exploit victims. Section 230 is important for protecting free speech, but it should not be used to shield platforms that knowingly facilitate trafficking. Holding Backpage.com accountable sends a strong message that Internet companies must take responsibility for preventing exploitation.

One question that arises from these readings is: What measures should online platforms take to prevent their services from being used for human trafficking while maintaining freedom of speech protections?

Online platforms should try to adhere to strict content moderation policies, and to do so they can use AI-based detection tools, or cooperate with law enforcement to monitor and remove suspicious advertisements. The International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (2018) recommends proactive efforts such as mandatory identity verification for advertisers, keyword tracking for trafficking-related terms, and partnerships with anti-trafficking organizations. However, this approach should be balanced with free speech protections. The prevention of trafficking is most important, but free speech is also important. This is, therefore, an issue that needs to be addressed carefully to avoid opening the door to draconian tyranny at the government level. The more that companies self-regulate, the better.