Istanbul Aydın University’s faculty member Assoc. Prof. Özlem Özdemir explained that irregular migrants are using technological advancements to access information and learn from the experiences of others instantly, whenever or wherever what the time and location is.
According to explanation of Assoc. Prof. Özlem Özdemir, migrant smuggling and irregular migration have adopted a technology-based framework in today’s world which is rapidly digitalizing. The functionality of digital tools in the field of migrant smuggling has so grown that it’s enabling migrants to use technology to access information quickly and securely, free from the constraints of time and place. Assoc. Prof. Özdemir stated while highlighting the importance of social media and location-based applications as critical resources for irregular migrants: “The internet and mobile phones help like maps for irregular migrants and smugglers. Migrants now access information about destination countries through social media platforms and share their experiences online. This dynamic has strengthened migration processes with the support of digital platforms, creating a virtual support system.”
The Connection of Migration and TechnologyAssoc. Prof. Özlem Özdemir explained the digitalization of migrant smuggling and irregular migration, and highlighted that irregular migrants can easily access safe passage routes and guiding content through social media platforms. (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.)
She also stated that features like GPS data, location-based guidances, anonymous communication, and encrypted messaging play an important role in helping communication between smugglers and irregular migrants.
The Use of Social Media in Migrant Smugglin
Assoc. Prof. Özlem Özdemir referenced findings from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s study, which supports, “The Impact of Social Media on Migrant Smuggling” and showing that migrant smugglers use various social media platforms for advertising, guidance, information sharing, communication, security, and addressing migrants’ safety concerns. Also cited in Europol’s 2022 report, which shows that digital platforms are used by smugglers and human traffickers for purposes such as recruitment, guidance, advertising, and even financial transactions.
The Future and Importance of Digital Migration
With the digitalization of migrant smuggling and irregular migration processes, social media has become a low-cost, safer, and more visible platform for migrants. Assoc. Prof. Özlem Özdemir, who highlighted that this makes digital platforms attractive to irregular migrants due to their ability to reach so many people quickly, offer anonymity, and provide security advantages, also stated the critical need for new ethical and legal regulations in this area.
As Istanbul Aydın University, our centre examines the broader community and migration impacts of technological developments, while continuing to raise awareness about the effects of digitalization on migration.
