This Handy App Could Help Combat Human Trafficking

If you’re looking for an easy way to contribute to the fight against human trafficking, look no further! The next time you check into a hotel while traveling, take a moment to snap a few photos of your room and upload them to a groundbreaking app used by investigators to track down traffickers.

Understanding the Issue

Here’s the scoop: traffickers often exploit vulnerable individuals—primarily women and children—by posting their pictures online, typically taken in hotel rooms. Law enforcement agencies have developed a national database to combat this issue, but pinpointing the exact locations where these crimes occur can be tricky. That’s where the TraffickCam app comes into play, allowing users like you to submit photos of hotel rooms, which the app then compares against the database. “These pictures become part of an important pipeline that helps law enforcement locate where victims are being trafficked,” said researcher and TraffickCam developer, Sarah Johnson, in an interview.

The Reality of Human Trafficking

You might think this problem is distant, but human trafficking is a significant issue right here in the U.S. In the first quarter of this year alone, 1,654 new trafficking cases were reported, with a staggering 1,378 of those involving females and 546 being minors. In 2015, the organization identified 3,780 female victims of sex trafficking in the country. “Many people assume this is a problem that only happens elsewhere,” noted Jane Smith, director of a non-profit working to combat child exploitation. “But the reality is, these transactions often take place in hotel rooms.”

How the App Works

Since its launch on June 20, the app has gained tremendous support, with over 56,000 downloads and more than 1.5 million hotel images uploaded globally. Best of all, it’s free and available for both iPhone and Android users. You can snap up to four pictures of your hotel room from various angles, and the app will use your phone’s location to match it with the hotel’s address. For accuracy, be sure to use TraffickCam right after you check in.

A Collaborative Effort

A collaboration between researchers at Washington University and the Exchange Initiative, this app empowers anyone to make a difference in this pressing issue. “This is a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute,” stated Exchange Initiative Principal, Emily Carter. “I’m not sure there’s anything else out there that allows people to help in such a direct way.”

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Conclusion

In summary, the TraffickCam app is a simple yet powerful tool that allows travelers to play a part in the fight against human trafficking by documenting hotel rooms and aiding law enforcement in their efforts to rescue victims.