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The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, in collaboration with Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur, organised a national conference on 7 February 2025 to tackle human trafficking in the digital era. The event focused on the growing use of digital technologies in facilitating trafficking and explored legal, technological, and enforcement strategies to combat it.
Call for Awareness and Stronger Regulations
Inaugurating the conference, NHRC Chairperson Justice V Ramasubramanian underscored the dangers of digital spaces in enabling trafficking crimes. He emphasised the need for public awareness and stronger legal frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and technological solutions to curb cyber-enabled trafficking.
Forms and Methods of Digital Trafficking
The conference highlighted various forms of digital trafficking, including sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, organ trafficking, and forced marriage. It also addressed tactics such as “Active Recruitment” (Hook Fishing) and “Passive Recruitment” (Net Fishing) used by traffickers to lure victims online.
Thematic Sessions and Key Discussions
Two thematic sessions structured the discussions:
Role of the Internet in Human Trafficking
The first session examined the internet’s role in human trafficking and migrant smuggling from legal and administrative perspectives. Chaired by retired IAS officer Bhamathi Balasubramanian, the session featured experts from law enforcement and academia. They discussed trafficking cases, regulatory challenges, and the role of digital anonymity in crime facilitation. Experts also stressed the importance of Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in addressing trafficking cases and called for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) tailored to the digital age.
Preventive Strategies and Community Engagement
The second session focused on preventive strategies, exploring the role of technology, law enforcement, victim support, and community engagement. Experts highlighted the need to equip AHTUs, increase public awareness through self-reporting portals, and encourage local communities to participate in trafficking prevention efforts.
Key Recommendations
The conference produced several key recommendations:
Amend the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) to distinguish between child and adult trafficking and incorporate cyber trafficking provisions.
Establish formal linkages between the ITPA and the Information Technology Act to bridge legal gaps.
Enhance the training of AHTUs to address cyber-enabled trafficking.
Systematically collect data on trafficking cases to inform policies.
