Black holes in the global digital landscape: The fuelling of human trafficking on the African continent

Mirjam van Reisen, Munyaradzi Mawere, Mia Stokmans, P. Nakazibwe, Gertjan Van Stam, A.O. Ong'ayo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Today’s digital architecture is based on the information networks of colonial times, which carried information and goods – including slaves – to knowledge centres in the West. Hence, structures like the Internet reflect biases in social and political connectivity. Those living in ‘black holes’ in the digital architecture are ‘mined’ for information, without enjoying any of the benefits of information flows. Hence, it is clear that digital technology is not impact-neutral. In fact, it seems to be fuelling trafficking in human beings, particularly trafficking for ransom on the African continent.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMobile Africa
Subtitle of host publicationHuman Trafficking and the Digital Divide
Place of PublicationBamendaa, Cameroon
PublisherLangaa RPCIG
Chapter1
Pages3-31
ISBN (Print)9789956551132
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Publication series

NameConnected and Mobile: Migration and Human Trafficking in Africa
PublisherLangaa

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