AI vs. Modern Slavery: A Necessary but Complex Fight

Modern Slavery: AI's Role in the Fight Against Human Trafficking Millions trapped in modern slavery. The fight against this global crisis involves AI, but raises ethical questions. Former British Prime Minister Theresa May, chair of the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, is raising concerns. Al Jazeera's report highlights the scale of the problem, revealing that 50 million people are currently enslaved. This is almost the population of South Korea or Spain. The report details the various forms of modern slavery, including forced labor, forced marriage, and human trafficking. Many victims are migrants, three times more likely to be enslaved than citizens. The report also examines how AI is being used to detect financial patterns linked to trafficking, using tools such as Traffic Jam and Spotlight. However, critics raise concerns about digital colonialism, arguing that technology built by powerful entities is being used on vulnerable populations without sufficient oversight or input from survivors. May's call for action underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a comprehensive approach to address this global crisis. The use of AI offers hope, but careful consideration of ethical implications is crucial.