An analysis of the emerging role of social media in human trafficking
Author(s)
Fraser, Campbell
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2016
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the relationship between human trafficking brokers and trafficking victims by using examples from both the international labour and human organ trafficking industries. It proposes an evolution in the brokerage process from geographic to online networks and how this alters the nature of the relationships between parties. The study aims to expand the understanding of contemporary trafficking brokerage networks in developing areas.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper opted for an ethnographic study which involved living among trafficking victims in 21 developing countries during the period ...
View more >Purpose This paper aims to explore the relationship between human trafficking brokers and trafficking victims by using examples from both the international labour and human organ trafficking industries. It proposes an evolution in the brokerage process from geographic to online networks and how this alters the nature of the relationships between parties. The study aims to expand the understanding of contemporary trafficking brokerage networks in developing areas. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an ethnographic study which involved living among trafficking victims in 21 developing countries during the period of 2008-2015; 17 cases are presented as exemplars of the trafficking industry environment, told from the perspective of both trafficking victims and the brokers who have profited from them. The data were complemented by commentary, which developed common themes across both labour and human organ trafficking. Findings The paper provides insights about how change in the brokerage process is brought about by the shift from geographic to online networks. It suggests that trafficking operations have learned how to use online social media and the dark Web. Moreover, it illustrates the impact of these networks on the power imbalance in human trafficking and the experience of its victims. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to labour and human organ trafficking in developing nations, but the concepts may have wider implications in other forms of human trafficking. Practical implications The paper includes implications for the development of a framework to understand the impact of online trafficking networks. Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified need to study how human trafficking networks are evolving in the digital age.
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View more >Purpose This paper aims to explore the relationship between human trafficking brokers and trafficking victims by using examples from both the international labour and human organ trafficking industries. It proposes an evolution in the brokerage process from geographic to online networks and how this alters the nature of the relationships between parties. The study aims to expand the understanding of contemporary trafficking brokerage networks in developing areas. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an ethnographic study which involved living among trafficking victims in 21 developing countries during the period of 2008-2015; 17 cases are presented as exemplars of the trafficking industry environment, told from the perspective of both trafficking victims and the brokers who have profited from them. The data were complemented by commentary, which developed common themes across both labour and human organ trafficking. Findings The paper provides insights about how change in the brokerage process is brought about by the shift from geographic to online networks. It suggests that trafficking operations have learned how to use online social media and the dark Web. Moreover, it illustrates the impact of these networks on the power imbalance in human trafficking and the experience of its victims. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to labour and human organ trafficking in developing nations, but the concepts may have wider implications in other forms of human trafficking. Practical implications The paper includes implications for the development of a framework to understand the impact of online trafficking networks. Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified need to study how human trafficking networks are evolving in the digital age.
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Journal Title
International Journal of Development Issues
Volume
15
Issue
2
Subject
Criminology not elsewhere classified
Applied Economics
Human Geography
Policy and Administration
Social media
Human organ trafficking
Labour trafficking
Online networks