Policy Brief: Artificial Intelligence and Human Trafficking – Threats, Responses, and Ethical Considerations

This policy brief aims to provide an overview of AI in the context of human trafficking. To do so, it will first outline how criminals use AI and then explain how anti-trafficking professionals can employ AI to advance their work. The policy brief will continue by highlighting ethical challenges and finally reflect on the importance of digital literacy and equitable access to technology. The information presented in the following sections is based on insights from the 2025 Council of Europe conference Empowering Change: Technology and Artificial Intelligence in the Fight Against Human Trafficking, organised under the Maltese Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on 11 June 2025, as well as secondary literature from international organisations, governments, and academic sources.