June is National Internet Safety Month in the United States: a time to spotlight online risks, particularly for children and teens. These efforts are especially crucial considering human trafficking—a modern form of slavery—continues to rise globally, with traffickers increasingly exploiting the internet to recruit victims. 

In this article, we’ll explore the extent of this humanitarian emergency, the role of technology in trafficking, and actionable steps you can use to protect yourself and others. 

Human Trafficking: A Global Crisis 

Human trafficking involves the illegal transport and exploitation of individuals for forced labor or sexual slavery, and it’s one of the fastest-growing crimes worldwide. Between 2012 and 2022, U.S. convictions for human trafficking offenses doubled, while global cases surged by 400% from 2008 to 2019.  

Although determining an exact number of victims is difficult, trends make it clear that human trafficking is on the rise. 

How Traffickers Use the Internet  

The internet has become a powerful tool for traffickers to identify, groom, and recruit victims remotely. Here’s how: 

  • Pandemic-Driven Online Recruitment 
    During COVID-19 lockdowns, online recruitment for human trafficking rose by 22%, as traffickers shifted their focus from physical locations like schools, foster homes, and strip clubs to social media platforms. 
  • Exploiting Vulnerabilities 
    Some people turn to social media because they’re lonely, anxious, or struggling socially. Traffickers can often spot these vulnerabilities through users’ profiles, posts, and online interactions and then exploit them to manipulate their victims.  
  • Fake Identities and Promises 
    Traffickers often misrepresent themselves as wealthy benefactors, romantic interests, or recruiters offering lucrative opportunities. The anonymity of the internet enables them to easily deceive victims. 

How Can We Combat Human Trafficking? 

Protect Yourself (and Loved Ones) Online 

We can all be part of the solution to human trafficking. Here are a few ways: 

The United Nations recommends the following steps to protect yourself and your family from human traffickers: 

  • Use privacy settings on social media to limit access to your profile or location. 
  • Keep your home address and phone number private. 
  • Reject friend requests from strangers, and even friends of friends. 
  • Report suspicious activity on social platforms.  

Avoid Supporting Human Trafficking Unintentionally 

Certain actions may indirectly contribute to human trafficking, including:  

  • Patronizing exploitative businesses or services. 
  • Using cheap, “off the books” labor that may involve trafficked individuals. 
  • Purchasing illicit drugs often transported by trafficking victims.  

Pursue Careers That Fight Human Trafficking 

You can help thwart the efforts of human traffickers in a variety of meaningful roles and professional settings, including: 

  • Law enforcement: FBI, ICE, state and local police departments, investigation units  
  • Advocacy: nonprofits, faith-based organizations, community organizations, education/research institutions, media outlets 
  • Criminal justice administration: courts, corrections, probation and parole 

Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree Online 

Want to make a difference? Online programs from The University of Texas Permian Basin—part of the acclaimed UT System—provide a path to rewarding criminal justice careers. 

Led by faculty with extensive real-world criminal justice experience, our programs enable you to complete your studies anywhere, at your convenience, around shift work and your busy schedule. 

Online BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies 
Gain foundational knowledge in criminal justice alongside general education courses that build essential soft skills.  

Work in Texas law enforcement? Find out how you may be able to waive some tuition and fees for this program.  

Online MS in Criminal Justice Administration 
Finished your bachelor’s degree and ready for leadership roles? Learn advanced criminal justice concepts in a program you can finish in as little as one year. 

Apply now! 

Sources: 
https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking-and-social-media/
https://humantraffickingfront.org/the-use-of-the-internet-to-recruit-children-by-traffickers/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/no-more-fomo/202501/social-media-and-loneliness-a-dangerous-pairhttps://www.un.org/en/peace-and-security/understanding-human-trafficking