Blog

Blog: A Powerful Tool for Self-Expression, Information Sharing, and Community Building, but also a Platform for Disseminating Harmful Information and Exploiting Vulnerable Individuals

Blogs are an increasingly popular form of online media that can serve a variety of purposes. Here are four key characteristics of this versatile platform:

Blogs are a powerful tool for self-expression and creativity. They provide individuals with a platform to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences with a global audience. Whether it’s through writing, photography, or video, blogs allow people to express themselves in unique and engaging ways.

Blogs are also a valuable source of information and knowledge sharing. They can cover a wide range of topics, from personal interests to news and politics, and offer readers unique perspectives and insights. Many blogs have become trusted sources of information in their respective niches.

Blogs can also serve as a means of community building. They provide a space for individuals with shared interests to connect, discuss ideas, and form relationships. This sense of community can be especially important for individuals who may feel isolated or marginalized in their offline lives.

However, like any other platform, blogs can be used to spread harmful or inaccurate information. In some cases, blogs can even be used as a means to exploit vulnerable individuals, such as those who may be at risk of human trafficking. Bloggers who seek to exploit others can lure victims with false promises of employment or other opportunities, only to subject them to forced labor or other forms of abuse.

In conclusion, blogs are a versatile and powerful tool that can serve a variety of positive purposes. However, it is important to critically evaluate the content of blogs and consider the credibility of the author and their sources. Additionally, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to combat the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, including those who may be at risk of human trafficking, through the misuse of online platforms like blogs.

 

 

Personal Safety In the Digital Age: 30 Essential Online Safety Tips
| | | | | | | |

Personal Safety In the Digital Age: 30 Essential Online Safety Tips

Importance of online safety in today’s digital age. In today’s digital age, online safety is of paramount importance due to the pervasive integration of technology into various aspects of our lives. The internet offers incredible opportunities for communication, learning, and productivity, but it also presents numerous risks and threats. Here are key reasons why online…

“Pig Butchering”: FinCEN Issues Alert on Virtual Currency Scam
| |

“Pig Butchering”: FinCEN Issues Alert on Virtual Currency Scam

On September 8, 2023, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) released an alert regarding a notorious virtual currency scam called “pig butchering,” because, unfortunately, it resembles the “fattening a hog before slaughter.” These scams are primarily perpetrated by criminal organizations in Southeast Asia where these scams are also called “Sha Zhu Pan.” The unwitting victims are the…

How to be a Vigilant Traveler & Ways the Travel Industry is Leading the Way – Engage Together
|

How to be a Vigilant Traveler & Ways the Travel Industry is Leading the Way – Engage Together

Human trafficking is a crime that often involves travel – traffickers move victims by cars, planes, trains, and buses and between countries, states, or cities within a state. This summer, as you use multiple modes of transportation to travel for business or a vacation, take a few moments to view the following list of anti-trafficking…

Social Media “Human Trafficking Panic” Posts
| | | | |

Social Media “Human Trafficking Panic” Posts

How often do you see posts about some bizarre situation that might lead to human trafficking? We’ve seen enough of them to have an entire series on them. I was invited to answer some questions by a reporter, but their outlet shut down before they completed the article. Here are the answers I sent in!…

What is the impact of the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act One Year On? – Anti-Slavery International
|

What is the impact of the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act One Year On? – Anti-Slavery International

Last week marked the first anniversary of the enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) in the United States on 21 June. This law takes sweeping measures to address corporate profiteering from Uyghur forced labour, by banning all companies from importing goods tainted with Uyghur forced labour. It has the potential to be…

The 2023 Global Slavery Index Released – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery
|

The 2023 Global Slavery Index Released – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery

The 2023 Global Slavery Index Released The 2023 Global Slavery Index reports that there has been a 10 million victim increase in modern slavery/human trafficking (MS/HT) over the last five years. On any given day there are 50 million people living in MS/HT and the world’s wealthiest economies are importing almost US$468 billion worth of…

Outcome of May 31st Pieper Lewis Hearing – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery
|

Outcome of May 31st Pieper Lewis Hearing – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery

Outcome of May 31st Pieper Lewis Hearing Please tap the following link for a May 31st Des Moines Register article: “Pieper Lewis Gets 20-Year Sentence, But Then is Placed on Probation Again.” written by Philip Jones who has been covering the case since the June 1st, 2020 arrest of trafficking victim, Pieper Lewis. The NAHT…

Several Anti-Trafficking Bills Pass the Legislature Including Safe Harbor – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery
|

Several Anti-Trafficking Bills Pass the Legislature Including Safe Harbor – Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery

Click a link below to jump to a particular article or scroll down to read the whole blog post/newsletter. Several Anti-Trafficking Bills Pass the Legislature Including Safe Harbor Below is a final report on the outcome of the 2023 Iowa Legislature. As you may recall, the 2023 legislation started with eight human trafficking bills. Of…

Has human trafficking increased or decreased in the US?
|

Has human trafficking increased or decreased in the US?

From a historical perspective, America can boast that slavery was abolished and defeated long ago. And while the legalization of slavery was certainly brought to an end, modern slavery is still an illegal concern that operates worldwide, including in the United States. What many people do not realize is how big of a problem it…

No, letting police arrest California victims of human trafficking is not a good idea
|

No, letting police arrest California victims of human trafficking is not a good idea

At a press conference last month, San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit took aim at SB357, the Safer Streets for All Act. The law, which went into effect two months ago, repealed previous California law that criminalized loitering with the intent to engage in sex work. Nisleit claimed SB357 prevented law enforcement from acting to disrupt…