In a new report on online and technology-facilitated trafficking in human beings, the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) presents the results of questionnaires sent to the 48 states parties to the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, civil society organisations and technology companies. The study focuses on examining the legal and operational challenges faced by member states and non-governmental organisations in detecting, investigating and prosecuting trafficking in human beings, as well as identifying those who have been trafficked online and through technology. Furthermore, the report contains evidence-based recommendations for action to improve cooperation with private companies and to strengthen cross-border cooperation.
The challenges posed by technology on the investigation of trafficking in human beings cases include, in the first place, data encryption, followed by the large volume of data, the speed of technological change, the lack of technical equipment and inadequate legislative tools. Challenges to the prosecution include obtaining evidence from other countries, lack of training among prosecutors, and inadequate legislative tools and assistance from the private sector.
