AI and human trafficking: new policy brief examines threats and responses

A new joint policy brief from the Council of the Baltic Sea States and the Council of Europe, Artificial Intelligence and Human Trafficking: Threats, Responses, and Ethical Considerations, examines how artificial intelligence is changing human trafficking — both as a tool for criminals and as a resource for those working to prevent trafficking, investigate cases and support victims.

As recruitment and exploitation increasingly take place online, AI is accelerating existing trends. Traffickers can use it to automate and translate conversations with potential victims, create convincing fake profiles and advertisements, analyse online behaviour and produce fraudulent documents or deepfakes.

At the same time, AI can strengthen anti-trafficking work, from analysing large volumes of data and identifying potential victims and perpetrators to providing information and assistance to victims.