In today’s data-driven world, it’s easy to assume technology alone can solve complex social issues. But when it comes to detecting, investigating, and remediating modern slavery, nothing replaces human insight. At SlaveCheck, we believe that Human-Sourced Intelligence’ (HSI) gathered directly from specialists on the ground — is irreplaceable in the war on modern slavery. Our approach uniquely combines AI-powered data and analytics with in-field intelligence from trusted civil society specialists to guide the elimination and prevention of modern slavery at scale.
What is human intelligence?
Human-Sourced Intelligence’ (HSI), refers to information collected directly from people rather than through technological or documentary sources. In the context of modern slavery due diligence, this includes:
- Firsthand accounts from affected workers or witnesses
- Testimonies from community leaders, labour unions, or informal worker groups
- On-site observations by trained field staff
- Informal tips and alerts from local informants or collaborators
- In-field investigation to build business, product, and labour traceability
Human-Sourced Intelligence can be both qualitative and quantitative. It is often gathered in difficult environments, under conditions of risk or limited access. But it delivers invaluable insights into hidden exploitation that digital tools alone cannot detect.
Why Other Solutions Fall Short
Many technology-led platforms rely heavily on algorithm-based estimates, predictive modelling, document reviews, satellite scans, or blockchain records. These sources can be manipulated, incomplete, or blind to nuance. Audits often miss systemic coercion or abuse, particularly when sites are controlled by intermediaries or traffickers.
Even the most advanced AI tools cannot detect fear, coercion, or confiscated passports. Without voices from the ground, these systems can only provide surface-level assurance.
Human-Sourced Intelligence in the SlaveCheck Foundation.
The SlaveCheck Foundation is building a trusted network of in-field civil society organisations (CSOs) to:
- Develop in-country value chain transparency
- Identify actual and high-risk slavery locations across value chains
- Confirm reports of exploitation through triangulation
- Trace labour flows and recruitment patterns
- Understand coercive practices, third-party control, and power dynamics
- Design and implement remediation solutions
- Provide ongoing monitoring
Example: A civil society partner may document testimonies from workers whose identity documents were withheld by labour brokers — evidence unlikely to surface in a traditional audit.
Enabling Effective, Ethical Remediation
True remediation must centre the needs of affected individuals. Quality, actionable Human-Sourced Intelligence enables SlaveCheck’s partners to:
- Assess victim needs (e.g., safety, legal support, psychosocial care)
- Identify barriers to remedy, including fear or lack of legal status
- Develop reintegration strategies that involve families and communities
Human-Sourced Intelligence ensures that interventions are not only compliant but ethical and effective.
Ongoing Monitoring
Modern slavery is not static. Monitoring must be continuous and grounded in reality. CSO partners support:
- Community surveillance networks that report conditions over time
- Ongoing feedback from workers to validate compliance claims
- Evaluation of whether remediation efforts are actually working
This closes the loop on accountability and ensures ongoing continuous improvement.
Ethical Guardrails Human-Sourced Intelligence gathering must be:
- Informed and consensual
- Confidential and secure, especially in hostile jurisdictions
- Culturally sensitive, recognising social and linguistic nuance
Mishandling this work risks retaliation, misinformation, or broken trust. That’s why the SlaveCheck Foundation works only with vetted, trained civil society partners.
Conclusion:
Human-Sourced Intelligence as the Missing Link AI can identify patterns. Blockchain can trace documents. But only human intelligence reveals coercion, exploitation, and fear that exists outside formal systems.
By integrating HSI from civil society specialists with AI-powered traceability in the SlaveCheck Platform, we empower organisations to take action beyond checkboxes — to investigate, remediate, and monitor risks across their extended supply chain.
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