Press Release: AI Technology Offers Hope in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
SAN ANTONIO — Human trafficking continues to be a pervasive yet often overlooked crisis, with many victims disappearing from their communities and undergoing significant transformations. Lori Wittmeyer, case intake manager at Search and Support San Antonio, sheds light on the profound changes victims experience, from alterations in hair and body weight to signs of malnutrition.
Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are providing new avenues for identifying and locating missing individuals. AI-generated images can simulate how victims may appear today, functioning similarly to age progression techniques. "We look at how their appearance could change," Wittmeyer notes, emphasizing the potential of this technology to aid families who may unknowingly encounter their missing loved ones in their daily lives.
One poignant example is Jeanie Chavez, a young mother who vanished in July 2022 and is believed to be a victim of trafficking. AI-generated photos illustrate her potential current appearance, leaving her daughters longing for their mother’s call. Meanwhile, the case of Cecilia Huerta Gallegos, missing since 2019, highlights the emotional weight of these developments. An AI-based video featuring her likeness conveys her urgent plea: “My story needs to be heard and shared worldwide,” expressing the desperation of her family in search of closure.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is also exploring AI technologies aimed at protecting youth from sexual exploitation, reinforcing the necessity of tackling these urgent societal challenges. As technology evolves, it brings a glimmer of hope to families grappling with the unknown, potentially paving the way for justice and reunification in the face of human trafficking.
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