Title: Trafficking in human beings: new challenges and old shadows through a 'cybernetic perspective'

Authors: Claudia Pretto

Addresses: Independent Researcher, Montecchio Maggiore (VI), 36075, Italy

Abstract: Trafficking in Human Beings is a serious crime against humanity, involving the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through abuse for financial gain. Criminal networks are increasingly using social media platforms to attract, monitor, and control their victims, to understand the economic market and to organise their activities in the most productive way. Digital technologies undoubtedly constitute a new resource for both criminal actors and those involved in protection. The problem is the inadequacy of the resources and strategies available to those tasked with protecting victims and prosecuting criminals. Trafficking in Human Beings could be analysed and managed from a 'cybernetic perspective' by those working to protect victims, prosecute criminals and prevent the phenomenon, as this analysis would open the possibility of identifying new strategies to try to eradicate this serious crime.

Keywords: trafficking in human beings; crime; rule of law; human dignity; new technologies; profiling victims; protection; prevention; prosecution; cybernetics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMABS.2025.150593

International Journal of Markets and Business Systems, 2025 Vol.6 No.2, pp.175 - 193

Received: 28 Jul 2025
Accepted: 24 Aug 2025
Published online: 17 Dec 2025 *

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