Spotlight, a non-profit organization, combats domestic minor sex trafficking by leveraging AI-powered technology to aid investigations and identify juvenile victims
Over the last decade, domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) has evolved to become increasingly sophisticated, with traffickers leveraging technology to accelerate the spread of exploitation. In response, Spotlight, a non-profit organization, has been at the forefront of combating DMST, utilizing artificial intelligence-powered technology to aid investigations and identify juvenile victims.
Since its launch in 2014, Spotlight has grown to be the leading application for investigators of juvenile sex trafficking nationwide, enabling them to quickly identify victims and disrupt trafficking networks, according to CEO Kristin Boorse. “What we learned from interviews with investigators who were investigating child sex trafficking was that it was a very manual process for them to be sifting through classified ads to identify a juvenile and next to impossible to tell that a victim had been moved across state lines. It was prototyped and then it was distributed around Phoenix’s Super Bowl in 2015. It turned out that the technology actually did work.”
Over the past decade, it has expanded its capabilities and reach, becoming an indispensable resource for law enforcement agencies across the United States, with more than 8,000 users in the United States and Canada. While the application initially focused on identifying victims advertised online, Spotlight has evolved its approaches as technology and trafficking methods have changed. It now incorporates a broader range of data sources and continues to innovate to keep pace with the changing landscape of human trafficking. For example, Boorse states, “We’ve gone through several different iterations and have advanced to perceptual matching.” In addition, Spotlight uses artificial intelligence to predict content which allows investigators to include and exclude certain tags to prioritize the most vulnerable, juveniles.
The organization’s approach has broken down bureaucratic barriers and enabled rapid innovation and deployment of new technologies to protect children from sex trafficking.
The organization’s approach has broken down bureaucratic barriers and enabled rapid innovation and deployment of new technologies to protect children from sex trafficking while equipping frontline responders with intelligence to identify juvenile victims and sex trafficking networks. For instance, a 15-year-old girl was recovered within two weeks of using Spotlight.
By integrating with existing law enforcement databases and tools, Spotlight enhances the ability of investigators to connect disparate pieces of information. This leads to more successful recoveries of victims, and since its inception Spotlight has played a critical role in identifying over 26,000 victims. Investigators who use the application daily report a 60% time savings.
A three-pronged approach in the fight against domestic minor sex trafficking
At the same time, technology and collaboration with law enforcement only go so far. Additional efforts by legislators and companies are needed to address the complexities of domestic minor sex trafficking.
Legislation plays a crucial role in establishing legal frameworks and mechanisms to combat DMST. Laws must target traffickers with stringent penalties, protect victims by providing support services and safe harbor provisions, and mandate reporting requirements for platforms and industries susceptible to exploitation. The recent REPORT Act exemplifies this by expanding reporting obligations for online platforms and increasing penalties for non-compliance.
Corporations have a responsibility to actively participate in combating DMST. This includes implementing robust internal controls to prevent their platforms from being exploited, collaborating with law enforcement, and supporting organizations dedicated to fighting trafficking. Platforms susceptible to exploitation by traffickers must prioritize detecting suspicious behavior, identifying patterns and reporting CyberTips to the NCMEC.
New technology is constantly being exploited for issues like human trafficking. Traffickers increasingly use social media, messaging platforms and alternate payment methods, but efforts to monitor and disrupt these spaces lag behind. Corporations who offer these services need to invest in detection methods, enhance their ability to identify suspicious activity and report early to hold traffickers accountable and keep their platform safe.
Technology presents both a challenge and a solution in the fight against DMST. While traffickers exploit online platforms, technology also empowers investigators and organizations like Spotlight to identify victims, track networks, and disrupt their operations. AI-powered tools analyze vast datasets to identify patterns and connections. This allows law enforcement to intervene quickly.
However, constant innovation is needed to stay ahead of traffickers who adapt quickly to new technologies. “Some of the biggest gaps in child trafficking are hiding in plain sight in many of the places where people are, such as being advertised on most of the major social media platforms and dating applications and websites. That is why there is a need for everyone to be involved,” Boorse adds.
You can find more information on the terrible problem of Sex Trafficking here
