Survivor-Centric Platform Practices

Recommendations in this memo span four areas, which were identified as areas of improvement by TAT:

1. User reporting
2. User education
3. Post-trafficking support
4. Meaningful survivor engagement

This memo considers multiple types of online platforms, including messaging services, social media platforms, dating apps, online marketplaces, job boards, and payment platforms. Each platform has distinct purposes and functionalities that influence the way harms manifest and impact people. However, consulting survivors is beneficial for all platforms that are connected to human trafficking, regardless of whether they are used directly by victims or survivors. The recommendations made in this memo are intended to inform diverse platforms, though some may be more relevant to certain platform types.

The memo has been developed as voluntary guidance for tech companies as they implement impactful, survivor-centric practices, fostering safer online environments and contributing positively to survivors' journeys towards recovery and empowerment. It is not intended to replace companies’ own stakeholder engagement efforts; rather, it provides an informed starting point as companies consider approaches relevant to their service and to their risk profile.