Gallagher Introduces Legislation to Combat Human Traffickers Exploiting Artificial Intelligence

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) introduced the Countering Online Trafficking Act, legislation aimed at strengthening the federal government's ability to combat human trafficking as criminal organizations increasingly exploit artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to target vulnerable individuals, particularly children.
 

As traffickers turn to AI and online platforms to recruit and exploit victims, Gallagher's legislation would require the U.S. Department of State to evaluate whether its Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons has access to the specialized technical expertise necessary to identify and respond to these evolving threats.
 

“Human traffickers are using new technology to prey on innocent children, and we cannot allow the federal government to fall behind,” said Congressman Gallagher. “These criminals are finding new ways to reach vulnerable victims, and our response needs to keep pace. Protecting children from exploitation has been a priority of mine throughout my time in public service. We need to make sure the people responsible for combating trafficking have the expertise necessary to recognize these threats and help stop them.”
 

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's 2024 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, the number of detected trafficking victims worldwide increased by 25% between 2019 and 2022. Even more alarming, the number of identified child victims increased by 31% during that period.
 

In its 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report, the State Department warned that artificial intelligence can be used to automate and expand the grooming of potential victims, allowing traffickers to target vulnerable individuals on a much larger scale.
 

The Countering Online Trafficking Act would require the State Department's Ambassador-at-Large for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons to assess whether the office has access to personnel with the technical expertise needed to address AI-facilitated trafficking. If gaps are identified, the Ambassador-at-Large would be required to develop a plan to address them.
 

Gallagher has long advocated for stronger protections against human trafficking. While serving as California Assembly Republican Leader, he helped secure passage of SB 14, legislation that made qualifying child sex trafficking offenses serious felonies under California's Three Strikes Law.
 

“Whether it's happening online or in our own backyard, human trafficking is a horrific crime that demands action,” Gallagher continued. “The technology criminals use may change, but our responsibility to protect the innocent does not. This legislation is an important step toward making sure our government is equipped to confront the threats of today.”
 

The Countering Online Trafficking Act would help ensure the State Department can effectively assess emerging trafficking threats and identify the expertise needed to strengthen international anti-trafficking efforts.