Lyft, Inc. has joined forces with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on an initiative known as the Blue Campaign, designed to combat human trafficking. Lyft drivers will now have access to information about human trafficking via the Blue Campaign in the company's app.
DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas stated, "A crime as globally pervasive as human trafficking requires a whole-of-society effort to shine a light on these heinous acts; identify, protect, and support victims; and bring perpetrators to justice." He added that "Key private sector partnerships and targeted training are critical to the success of our counter-human trafficking mission. The Department of Homeland Security’s new partnership with Lyft – which will teach drivers who interact with millions of riders every year to identify and help disrupt human trafficking – will help save lives and avert tragedies."
According to a DHS news release, a tutorial program is set to be made available for rideshare drivers in Canada and the United States. This initiative aims at educating drivers about the signs that may indicate a person is a victim of human trafficking, while also providing resources for reporting such instances to law enforcement. The DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking is leading the Blue Campaign, using it as an instrument to educate law enforcement about the characteristics of human trafficking and appropriate responses.
Lyft CEO David Risher said, "Human trafficking — the illegal exploitation of a person — is a heinous crime. We have zero tolerance for it." He continued by expressing pride in partnering with DHS's Blue Campaign "to raise awareness on the issue so that the one million people who drive on the Lyft platform can recognize and report it when they see it."
The news release reveals that over 1000 organizations across transportation, lodging, and private sector industries are already utilizing Blue Campaign efforts. The new partnership with Lyft is slated to commence this week as drivers in Las Vegas will receive information regarding human trafficking—a crime often prevalent at events attracting large crowds.
