Lorraine Aguti

The Hidden Dangers of Kidfluencing: When Childhood Becomes Content By Lorraine Aguti   In today's hyper-connected digital culture, children are having their lives presented increasingly online to global audiences. What initially began as harmless milestone posting—first words, birthdays, or humorous clips—has become a profitable enterprise referred to as "kidfluencing." It refers to children who, through numerous instances in many cases via their parents' behavior, become social media influencers. These kids appear in commercialized videos on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, touting everything from toys to clothing to snacks. Beyond the smiling faces and viral clips, however, are complex ethical, legal, and psychological concerns that the public can no longer ignore.   Kidfluencing raises a novel privacy concern. Children's most intimate moments—from doctor's appointments to tantrums—are regularly shared up without their consent, leaving an indel...

BEHIND THE SCREEN: THE DARK WEB OF TECH-FACILITATED HUMAN TRAFFICKING By Lorraine Aguti   In today's technological era, it is a part of life one cannot do without. It brings people together, facilitates services, and opens doors to opportunities. But the very same instruments that empower and unite can be used to exploit too. Nowhere is that a truer statement than in the era of human trafficking, where technology is increasingly used to recruit, control, and conceal victims of modern slavery.   Traffickers utilize social media platforms, messaging platforms, job advertisement websites, and cryptocurrency networks to conduct their businesses. These platforms offer anonymity, quickness, and a worldwide reach—making them well-suited to exploit vulnerable individuals across borders. In 2021, a report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime stated that online technologies are utilized at all points of the trafficking process, from recruitment to control and exploitation.   Another...