BIG DATA IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Today, there is a lot of attention on the front pages and in the media about how algorithms help detect human trafficking.
ABN AMRO, in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the Social Affairs and Employment Inspectorate, has investigated how you can recognize suspicious cases that could indicate human trafficking from the data known to the bank.
Since 2016, a complex search query has been developed, an algorithm. This now has about thirty variables or indications of labor exploitation. An example is to check whether this amount is also withdrawn immediately after a salary is credited. This could mean that the owner of the account has to hand over the salary immediately or even that criminals have authorization and a card for the account. Another factor that is taken into account is the nationality of the account holder.
Banks already provide this type of information upon request in investigations into human trafficking.
But in the new setup, the opposite happens: without any concrete indication, the bank searches transfers in the computer system.
ABN AMRO has carried out an initial pilot and has already found 'dozens' of unusual situations, which have been reported to the investigation service of the SZW Inspectorate.
Business Data Challengers itself supports an international project against human trafficking, International Justice Mission (IJM).
IJM is the world's largest anti-slavery organization. In countries such as India, the Philippines, Ghana and Cambodia, IJM fights against forced labor, human trafficking for the sex industry and the abuse of children for cybersex.
Read more about our support for IJM at Involvement.
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