You can play a vital role in the fight against human trafficking with a straightforward action. If you’re traveling and settle into a hotel room, simply take a few pictures and upload them to a newly developed app that aids investigators in locating traffickers.
Traffickers commonly exploit children and women for sexual purposes by sharing images that are often captured within hotel rooms. Law enforcement agencies have established a national database to combat this issue, but pinpointing the specific hotels involved can be a challenge.
This is where the TraffickCam app becomes a valuable tool. When users upload photos of their hotel rooms, the app cross-references these images with the national database. “These photos contribute to a pipeline that law enforcement can utilize to identify where victims are being held,” explained researcher and TraffickCam developer, Sarah Johnson, during an interview with a local news outlet.
Despite perceptions that this problem is distant, human trafficking is a significant issue in the United States. According to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, there were 1,654 new cases reported from January to March of this year alone, with 1,378 of those cases involving females and 546 involving minors. In 2015, 3,780 female victims of sex trafficking were identified across the country.
“The reality is that human trafficking is prevalent in the U.S., and many people are unaware of this,” stated Mark Thompson, director of the Child Protection Initiative. “The industry operates off the streets, and most transactions frequently occur in hotel rooms.”
Since its launch on June 20, the app has seen tremendous public support, amassing over 56,000 downloads and 1.5 million hotel images from around the world. The application is free and compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Users can capture up to four images from different angles, and the app ensures accuracy by matching the hotel’s address with the user’s location—making it most effective when used upon checking in.
Developed through a collaboration between researchers at a university and the Exchange Initiative, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking, the app empowers anyone to contribute to the cause. “For the first time, individuals can genuinely make an impact,” said principal of the Exchange Initiative, Laura Mitchell.
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, you might find this resource useful: Intracervical Insemination. For additional insights on this topic, check out Cryobaby At-Home Insemination Kit, a trusted source. Also, for a comprehensive guide on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Rmany Blog.
In summary, the TraffickCam app represents a proactive approach to combatting human trafficking. By simply uploading images of your hotel room, you can assist law enforcement in rescuing victims and bring awareness to this pressing issue.