Anti-Trafficking networks address the role of modern technology

On 15-16 December, approximately 150 participants representing EU countries and Civil Society Organisations gathered in Brussels for the meetings of the EU Network of National Coordinators and Rapporteurs and of the  EU Civil Society Platform against trafficking in human beings.

The joint meeting was co-chaired by the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and Denmark, representing the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

It focused on the role of modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence, in preventing and combatting trafficking in human beings and protecting victims. The meeting was opened by Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Heunicke, Minister of Gender Equality of Denmark and Olivier Onidi, Deputy Director-General, Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs.

Commissioner Brunner underlined the need to minimise risks and maximise benefits of digital technologies for anti-trafficking efforts. Minister Heunicke stressed the urgency of using all available tools, including digital technologies, to detect victims and stop traffickers, while acknowledging that these technologies can also facilitate the exploitation of victims. Deputy Director-General Onidi recalled the important role of the EU Strategy on Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings (2021-2025) has played in strengthening the operational framework of anti-trafficking efforts.

Thematic sessions focused on how to follow the digital footprint of traffickers to better detect, investigate and disrupt trafficking networks. Good practices from projects and national digital solutions as well as ideas from Europol's Innovation Lab were shared.

Sessions also explored the need for building partnerships between Member State authorities, civil society and the private sector to adequately respond to the growing misuse of online platforms and applications. The meeting also featured the first study developed under the EU Anti-Trafficking Hub that examined the concept of trafficking for labour exploitation.

The event concluded with discussion on the priority areas for the forthcoming EU Strategy on combatting trafficking in human beings. A consultation on the new strategy has been launched and participants were encouraged to share input for the new strategy.