Abstract:

Trafficking in human beings is a major concern for the global community. The introduction, growth, and utilization of information and communication technologies (ICTs) have been accompanied by an increase in illegal exploitation and abuse of technology for criminal activities. With respect to cyberspace, the Internet is increasingly used as a tool and medium by transnational organized crime. Human trafficking is an obvious form of organized crime that has been affected by the global revolution in ICT. This form of illegal trafficking is not exclusive to sexual exploitation with respect to women or children trafficking but also covers indentured servitude and child labor. This new form of slavery violates fundamental and basic human rights and freedoms, and transcends national boundaries and territories to negatively impact on numerous countries across the globe. It is estimated that over 900,000 people are being trafficked every year. This paper seeks to discuss, address and analyze the impact of  Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) on trafficking in human beings for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and the technique used, secondly, an analysis of the existing legislative and regulatory framework and their efficiency in Asia region to combat this form of cross-border organized crime and finally, this paper will conclude by discussing the steps that should be taken to protect human rights and minimize the risk of utilizing ICTs in illegal criminal activities, especially with respect to human trafficking.