| By Breanna Conner |

From Likes to Lures: Social Media in Human Trafficking

TikTok is a popular international app known for being a social media space where users express a wide range of interests. With quick entertainment videos averaging around 15 seconds in length, the content flies past users quickly and easily becomes addictive. However, without careful analysis, one may not notice the darker side of the app. TikTok and other popular social media platforms are at times now being used as modern digital slavery platforms.

Case Study: Bangladesh

In 2021, multiple men were arrested in Bangladesh for using the TikTok platform to lure young women and girls into human trafficking. According to an Aljazeera report, the men in the gang promised young women on the app the chance to become TikTok models, and “invited [them] to pool parties, [to] star in TikTok videos, and ‘sold dreams of well-paid salaries in call centres, sales, and service centres.”. Once the girls arrived at these parties, they were roped into human trafficking circles to perform online for profit or in international digital trafficking from Bangladesh to India.

In the scope of international relations, digital trafficking poses a greater threat than most in-person tactics. Once victims willingly go to meeting locations, digital recruiting becomes difficult to track, and distinguishing between legitimate job recruitment and human traffickers can prove challenging in the age of technology and global communication.

One suggested method to mitigate online sex trafficking recruitment is by implementing stricter security measures on social media platforms (Milivojevic, et.al., 2020). However, critics argue this approach risks invading user privacy. Additionally, if barriers are placed to prevent underage users from accessing popular platforms, those who do not meet the age minimum may turn to less protected sites due to easier access.

While effective stricter security measures on social media platforms present challenges, the rise of apps like TikTok being exploited for human trafficking highlights the urgent need for action. TikTok video producers feel “pressure to continue to produce and share content, difficulties in obtaining fair compensation, and negative impacts on mental health from performance pressures and social comparison”. (Azka, 2023, p. 751). Multiple accounts exploit the power dynamics of social media platforms to generate income (Azka, 2023). For instance, individuals perform live on TikTok, where viewers can request specific actions in exchange for gifts or the platform’s virtual currency, known as coins (Azka, 2023).

Case Study: Dancing for the Devil

The Netflix documentary Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult explores the troubling environment experienced by TikTok stars signed to 7M Films, a company founded by Robert Shinn. The film delves into the dark side of social media stardom and the exploitation of young talent. As these dancers gained fame, they found themselves cut off from family and bound by contracts that channeled substantial funds to the company’s associated church. This scenario mirrors human trafficking tactics, notably the use of isolation and financial control to prolong victim entrapment. Consequently, the dancers continuously poured their earnings from TikTok and 7M Films videos back into the company, driven by hopes of achieving their career ambitions. Yet, they reaped little personal benefit, remaining ensnared in an exploitative cycle.

The Forbes article further discusses the controversial case involving Shinn and his company, 7M Films. According to the article, the accusations against Shinn and the company include fraud, forced labor, and human trafficking, with Shinn specifically facing allegations of sexual battery. The case is set to go to trial in July 2025 in Los Angeles, though no criminal charges have been filed thus far, reports CNN.

Prosecuting digital slavery in this instance proves challenging due to the legally binding contracts signed by the dancers. Should a court case emerge, forced labor claims could potentially be dismissed on grounds of religious discrimination, particularly given the non-profit status often held by religious organizations. These legal hurdles complicate efforts to seek justice for the alleged victims.

Even without continued charges against Shinn, this case highlights the alarming reality that social media platforms have become conduits for human trafficking, cleverly disguised beneath the veneer of promising career opportunities. The 7M Films controversy serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and reform in the digital age.

Combating Trafficking in the Age of Social Media

While it is true that “slavery thrives on modern technology and modern forms of travel” (Milivojevic et al., 2020), it is equally important to recognize that “technology has simultaneously emerged as a powerful tool to combat both trafficking and slavery” (Milivojevic et al., 2020). Most anti-trafficking technologies focus on flagging suspicious websites, but they fall short when applied to social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, where communication is more open-ended and legitimate business opportunities abound.

To address this challenge, widespread education on protecting personal information and carefully evaluating job offers is essential. To prevent manipulation into isolation and binding contracts, it is crucial for people to understand professional and legitimate recruiting processes. While ensuring uniform standards across various international working cultures poses a challenge, local governments can play a vital role by encouraging businesses to adopt transparent and ethical practices. Individuals must exercise caution when considering business proposals received through informal channels or presented with ambiguous contract terms.

Looking Ahead: Harnessing Collective Responsibility for a Safer Digital Future

The case studies presented in this article underscore the critical importance of recognizing that human trafficking continues to evolve alongside our rapidly changing digital landscape. As traffickers adapt to new technologies and platforms, exploiting vulnerabilities in emerging social media trends, it becomes increasingly imperative for society to stay informed and proactive in combating this insidious crime. While the solution is not to entirely ban platforms like TikTok, which offer numerous benefits and opportunities for connection, it is essential to prioritize education and awareness initiatives.

By fostering open dialogues about the risks associated with online interactions and empowering individuals with the knowledge to identify and avoid potential trafficking situations, we can create a safer digital environment for all. This heightened awareness must extend beyond just young women and men, encompassing parents, educators, policymakers, and tech companies alike. Only through collective effort and shared responsibility can we hope to stay ahead of the threat and protect vulnerable populations from falling prey to the ever-evolving tactics of human traffickers in the digital age.

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An AI image generator was used to create the illustrations in this article. All illustrations in this article are ©Intelliwings.

Sources

Azka. I. (2023), Digital Slavery in TikTok Social Media Christian Fuchs Perspective. Ilomata International Journal of Social Science, 4(4), 750-762.

Milivojevic, S., Moore, H., & Segrave, M. (2020). Freeing the Modern Slaves, One Click at a Time: Theorising human trafficking, modern slavery, and technology. Anti-trafficking review, (14), 16-32.