Here is your weekly roundup of human trafficking stories in the news.
Privacy groups: TikTok app violating children’s privacy
Last year, TikTok paid a $5.7 million fine to the FTC after illegally collecting information from kids under 13. They added restrictions within the app, but it is still very easy for kids to bypass these “restrictions”, use the full adult version of the app, and receive inappropriate contact from adults. TikTok allegedly collects locations and watches messages. It is important that kids are educated about how to stay safe on all social media apps.
An Elementary School Repeatedly Dismissed Allegations Against Its Principal. Then, an FBI Agent Pretended to Be a 13-Year-Old Girl.
In 2016, a principal in Alaska was caught but not charged after inappropriately messaging a student on Facebook. After more allegations through the years, the FBI went undercover to investigate the issue further. Christopher Carmichael was arrested by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force for child sexual abuse and possession of child sexual abuse material.
New Hampshire woman arrested for attempted child kidnapping in Monroe County, Mo.
A woman from New Hampshire corresponded with an 11-year-old girl from Missouri via social media and gaming apps for four months. The woman traveled to Missouri to kidnap the girl but was not successful. Police encourage people who are online to report “anyone who attempts to engage in unwanted, inappropriate, or sexualized communications with children.”
CYBER CRIME INVESTIGATION LEADS TO A CHILD SEX ABUSE ARREST IN GATES
A 37-year-old in Oregon was arrested for child exploitation-related charges after luring minors in Oregon and California to engage in sexually explicit communication. These victims were only 11 and 13 years old. The internet has made it easier for child predators to access vulnerable children.
O.U.R. was not involved in these stories unless specified.
