World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: Securing Your Online Presence Against Trafficking

world day against human trafficking in persons

Our commitment to helping you and your loved ones navigate online securely

As we observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, it’s important to focus on recognizing the signs and patterns of trafficking so we can identify if it is happening to our friends, children, or their peers. At KnowledgeFlow, we’re committed to helping you navigate online securely and protect yourself and your loved ones from traffickers who may use the internet as a tool.

How Human Trafficking Happens

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or acts. This coercion can be subtle or overt and can take physical or psychological forms. Trafficking is a complex crime that often goes unnoticed, and it’s crucial to understand that it doesn’t always resemble the dramatic portrayals seen on TV. In Canada, trafficking frequently occurs without any physical contact between the trafficker and the victim. It often involves manipulation and control, sometimes by someone the victim knows and trusts, such as a family member, friend, or partner. Traffickers use various tactics to maintain control, including emotional abuse, manipulation, threats of harm or deportation, and exploiting a person’s vulnerabilities.

Trafficking isn’t just about being physically moved from one place to another; it can happen in a person’s own community, at their job, online, or even in their own home. Victims are sometimes lured with promises of good jobs or romantic relationships, only to find themselves in exploitative situations from which they cannot easily escape. It’s important to note that human trafficking often goes unreported, and many cases, especially those involving teens, remain hidden.

Recognizing that trafficking can be a quiet and coercive process is crucial for staying safe. Adopting a zero-trust approach to online interactions—where you verify identities and intentions before engaging—can be an essential step in preventing such scenarios. Being aware of how traffickers operate can help young people recognize the signs and protect themselves and their peers from these hidden dangers.

The Growing Threat of Online Trafficking

Human traffickers are increasingly using online platforms to conduct their criminal activities. Between 2011 and 2021, there were 3,541 police-reported incidents of human trafficking in Canada. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), traffickers use social media, dating sites, and job portals to find and exploit victims. The anonymity and wide reach of the internet make it easier for traffickers to operate discreetly and avoid detection. The extent of human trafficking in Canada is difficult to assess due to the hidden nature of the crime.

With the digitization of communication and other technological advancements, human traffickers are abusing technology and using it as a tool to fuel their operations. In 2020, the internet was reported to be the number one place for human trafficking recruitment. Most often, social media is used by traffickers to gain insight into potential victims’ lives. They take this information from social media to exploit vulnerabilities and manipulate and groom victims. The internet allows access to larger groups of individuals, not restrained by physical location. Traffickers also can take payments anonymously through cryptocurrencies. It is easier to receive and hide with less risk of detection. Crimes across borders or continents makes finding and accessing evidence more difficult for police. This requires cooperation between different law enforcement agencies. Contact VIA phone call is not necessary if there is access to Wi-Fi. This makes it more difficult for law enforcement to track users, calls, and identity. Plus traffickers maintain control by threatening to release intimate photos + videos to friends/family if victims do not comply. Additionally, traffickers target young women and girls disproportionately.

Some statistics to put into perspective the scope of this issue in Canada include:

  • Nearly three in ten victims (28%) of police-reported human trafficking in Canada were under the age of 18.
  • 71% of trafficking victims in Canada are under the age of 25.
  • The average age of trafficked victims is 11-13 years old.
  • The majority of sex trafficking victims are reportedly Canadian-born teenage girls, some as young as 13.
  • Between 2019 and 2021, there were 1,203 victims of human trafficking reported to police in Canada.

Staying Safe Online

Awareness can help us be vigilant and potentially prevent harm. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

  • Be cautious of job postings that promise high earnings quickly. Always verify the legitimacy of the company and the job offer through independent research.
  • Be vigilant in online relationships, build trust slowly and be wary of sharing personal information too soon. If someone asks for intimate photos or personal details, it’s a red flag.
  • Limit the amount of personal information you share publicly (including your name, age, city, school, etc). Use privacy settings to limit who can view your posts, and report any suspicious contacts or messages.
  • Be cautious of new contacts who try to move conversations to private messaging platforms from online games or chat rooms. Traffickers often build rapport through shared interests before moving to manipulation. Traffickers often try to reach teenagers using these methods.

Our Role at KnowledgeFlow

We offer resources and support to educate the public about the risks of online trafficking and how to stay safe. Our initiatives include:

  • Online Courses: Our free, self-paced courses are for anyone who wants to build cybersafety knowledge and skills to help you stay safe online. Engage with interactive modules and hands-on exercises to protect your devices, accounts, and information.
  • Resource Library: Access our collection of tip sheets and information pages that provide practical guidance on various cybersafety topics.
  • KnowledgeBytes Blog: Stay informed with KnowledgeBytes, our blogs where we share the latest insights and advice on cybersafety.

Be Part of The Solution

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let’s all be vigilant and proactive in protecting ourselves and others online. By staying informed and cautious, we can make a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking.

For more information on cybersafety resources and our support options, check out our home page here.

Stay #UnHackable.

Resources

Canada’s National Human Trafficking 24/7 Hotline: 1-833-900-1010
Bethesda House – Secure shelter, programming, advocacy, and prevention 24 hour service line: 905-623-6050
Kids Help Phone: Text CONNECT to 686868 or Call 1-800-668-6868
Herizon House – Free, confidential services 24 hours a day, a place of safety, support and empowerment for abused women and their children: 1-866-437-4066
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre – A not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to supporting those affected by sexual violence and harm 24/7 Crisis Support line: 1-705-741-0260
Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services – A multi-service Indigenous Child Well-Being Agency. Providing a stable foundation for children, youth, and families, through culturally based and family-focused services: 705-295-7135
Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies
Public Safety Canada – This Government of Canada page provides more support services and resources for human trafficking victims
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking
Voice Found – Creating safe communities that recognize and stop abuse. Supporting survivors, preventing abuse, and growing skills and leadership
Based on your region, you can contact local authority who will get you in contact with the appropriate law enforcement to assist you

Similar Posts