Digital Dangers: Information and Communication Technologies and Trafficking in Women

A joint publication of AWID and the APC WNSP, this discussion paper examines whether new technologies are re-shaping or facilitating human trafficking, and/or if the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in trafficking will change the way people understand other issues.

The paper discusses trafficking and ICTs and their definitions by activists in the two arenas. It explores three pivotal and controversial questions: 1) Does the role of ICTs matter or is it a fashionable distraction from serious counter-trafficking work? 2) Can we talk of trafficking in images or does trafficking only apply to people? 3) Is consideration of privacy in relation to ICTs contrary to counter-trafficking work or an essential part of a broader movement to create safety and freedom for individuals and communities? Finally, the paper asks what action can be taken by governments, feminists, civil society organisations, and other actors.

The paper is part of a series of forthcoming issue papers from the APC WNSP examining ICT from a gender perspective in order to invite greater reflection and debate around ICT policy. Much of the research for this paper comes from interviews and personal correspondence conducted in January 2005 with experts and practitioners working in relevant areas.