Preventing, detecting, and disrupting human trafficking with information systems

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Jan 29, 2025

Laurie Giddens, a researcher and Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas, dives into innovative strategies to combat human trafficking using technology. She discusses the potential of data systems in detecting and disrupting trafficking within the travel industry. Giddens emphasizes the importance of collaboration between airlines and airports and the need for a united effort in data collection. She highlights how feedback loops can enhance interventions, and how analyzing internet data can transform raw insights into actionable information.

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ANECDOTE

Finding the Right Partner

Laurie Giddens' research on human trafficking information systems needed real-world data and insights.
Partnering with DFW International Airport provided access to the necessary data and stakeholders.

INSIGHT

The Feedback Problem

Human trafficking has been viewed as a data or tech problem, but it's a feedback problem.
Emerging technologies like AI require feedback loops for continuous improvement, which are currently lacking in anti-trafficking efforts.

ADVICE

Data for Action

Focus on data that provides context and insights, not just itineraries.
Collaborate with law enforcement and NGOs to understand data's relevance to trafficking patterns and intervention points.

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Human trafficking is one of the most terrible crimes imaginable. And, yet, the magnitude of it is so overwhelming that it can feel nearly impossible to tackle. But, what if there was a way to flip this problem on its head? Could we learn from technologists who use feedback loops to build information systems and apply this same way of thinking to a new challenge?

In this KYC Decoded episode, we are honored to give the mic to Researcher and Assistant Professor of Information Systems at University of North Texas, Laurie Giddens. Partnering with Jodie Brinkerhoff, VP of Innovation at the third busiest airport in the world, the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Laurie was able to gather valuable, firsthand data and insights to better understand the existing challenges when combating human trafficking. Her enlightening conversation with host, Alex Pillow, explores probing questions like:

How do data and technology change the possibilities for how we tackle human trafficking?
Within the prevention, detection, and disruption paradigm, where should innovation focus first?
What data points should we look at when building new technologies and what kinds of unstructured data should be considered?
What stakeholders should be included to collect data and work through possible solutions?
Similarities between the data challenges of AML and transaction monitoring with this part of the risk ecosystem, and how they could learn from each other
How could feedback loops help fight human trafficking more effectively?

If you would like to continue this learning, please check out the resources below:

National Academies, Developing an Airport Program to Address Human Trafficking: A Guide
Laurie’s Google Scholar page
Information Systems Journal, Information technology as a resource to counter domestic sex trafficking in the United States
Moody’s The Infinite Game docuseries

To learn how you can better equip your organization to fight human trafficking, please visit our website and get in touch. We would love to hear from you.