This could make a very significant difference, especially since Meta says it will share the Hasher Matcher Actioner with other companies. It is, unfortunately, very common practice for human traffickers to take photos (or videos) of the mostly women and children they exploit in order to sell them online.
Meta’s software tool can change social media sites and other similar forums. Though national security specialist Matthew Schmidt warns the impacts of Hasher Matcher Actioner will be limited on the dark web.
Acts of human trafficking, and even terrorism, often occur on the dark web. Though if Meta’s tool prevents or stops even one fraction of human trafficking cases, it will be worth it.
The use of Hasher Matcher Actioner may also go a long way towards helping law enforcement officers in their work to fight human trafficking.
The responsibility of social media companies
At this time, the reality of human traffickers using social media sites to engage in their crimes remains well-known.
This applies to Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms; that includes chatroom platforms like Kik, WhatsApp, and even dating sites, such as Tinder, Bumble, etc.
