If you’re looking for a straightforward way to contribute to the fight against human trafficking, there’s now an app for that! Whenever you check into a hotel room, you can help by taking a few pictures of your accommodations and uploading them to a new app designed to assist investigators in identifying traffickers.
Human traffickers often exploit children and women by posting their images online, typically taken inside hotel rooms. To combat this issue, law enforcement agencies have established a national database, yet pinpointing the exact locations can be challenging. That’s where the TraffickCam app becomes invaluable. By allowing users to upload photos of their hotel rooms, the app cross-references these images with the national database. “Those photos become part of the information law enforcement can use to locate where victims are being trafficked,” says researcher and app developer, Jamie Larkins.
The Reality of Human Trafficking in the U.S.
Many people may believe that human trafficking is not a prevalent issue in the United States, but the reality is quite different. According to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, there were 1,654 new human trafficking cases reported between January and March of this year alone. Of these, 1,378 involved females and 546 were minors. In 2015, there were 3,780 identified female victims of sex trafficking in the U.S. “It is an issue right here in the United States, but many don’t recognize it as such. They assume it occurs elsewhere,” remarks Sarah Voss, the executive director of a nonprofit dedicated to combatting child exploitation.
Support for TraffickCam
Since its launch on June 20, support for TraffickCam has been overwhelming, with over 56,000 downloads and more than 1.5 million hotel images submitted worldwide. The app is free and compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Users can take up to four photos of their room from different angles, ensuring accuracy by using the app as soon as they check in.
The app was developed through a collaboration between researchers at a prominent university and a nonprofit organization focused on ending human trafficking. “This is a unique opportunity for everyone to make a positive impact,” says Principal Investigator Mia Johnson. “I’m not aware of any other initiatives that allow for such direct assistance.”
How You Can Help
Not only can you download the TraffickCam app, but if you suspect a case of human trafficking, it’s crucial to speak up by reaching out to the appropriate resources. For additional information, you can check out this guide on privacy policies.
In summary, the TraffickCam app offers an innovative way for travelers to help fight human trafficking by simply uploading photos of their hotel rooms. With its growing database, the app is becoming a powerful tool in the hands of law enforcement.