Human trafficking is a pervasive yet underemphasized issue that persists all around the world. The United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking estimate that millions of people are or have been trafficked into forced labor, and projects that, without more intervention and awareness, many more would fall victim to forced labor. However, in recent decades, there has been an increased amount of outreach and attention from the government, law enforcement, educators, and public interest organizations on this very serious issue. For instance, Michigan Law launched a Human Trafficking Clinic in 2009 and a Human Trafficking Database in 2011 to increase awareness of this modern-day slavery and to actively find ways to eliminate this problem. Joining forces with those who wish to combat human trafficking, Google, through its generous donations of funds and technical assistance, recently helped launch a hotline network that allows for increased access to information gathering and sharing on the important details of human trafficking.
Specifically, Google launched the Global Human Trafficking Hotline Network, which allows various organizations working within the United States, Asia, and Europe to share data and thereby detect patterns and discover more comprehensive approaches to tackling this worldwide dilemma. Not only will this network allow for greater access to detailed information and analysis on seasonal and geographic trends, this system also connects victims with proper authorities in a prompt and efficient manner. For example, when a call is logged into the system, the location and all relevant data provided by the caller is also documented. In turn, the compilation and analysis of such information provided by victims can paint a fuller picture of emerging patterns indicating where people are being trafficking and where they are working. With such valuable and important information along with the contributions of organizations and agencies interesting in combatting human trafficking, the government and local law enforcement can respond to this problem more proactively.
This is an exciting forward-step for those passionate about or interested in fighting the human trafficking problem and for victims who are now able to receive help more promptly and efficiently. This innovation would allow for more information gathering and sharing, meaning that more victims would be brought to light and then provided with safe accommodations and proper assistance. Despite the benefits brought to society by this technology advanced by Google, human trafficking still remains a huge dilemma, with many victims left in the dark and without any access to assistance. As technology continues to grow, however, I am optimistic that more innovative resources will be created to help victims obtain easier access to resources and for law enforcement, governmental officials, and public interest organizations to detect and thereby prevent forced labor in its early stages.