Automatic Detection of Potentially Illegal Online Sales of Elephant Ivory Via Data Mining
Wildlife trafficking is an estimate $19-26.5 billion industry, fourth only to drug trafficking, human trafficking and counterfeiting in terms of transnational organized crime. This type of criminal activity is problematic as it can lead to the extinction of endangered species. In 2013, the United Nations recognized environmental crimes, including wildlife trafficking, as an emerging transnational organized crime that needs a greater response from governments and law enforcement.
In this report, Julia Hernandez Castro and ACCO expert David L. Roberts, have developed an automated system to detect illegal ivory products for sale on eBay, achieving close to 93% accuracy. This work is an important first step towards speeding up content moderation and collaboration with law enforcement. It will also help reduce poaching of elephants by removing it from social media platforms.
Authors:
Julio Hernandez Castro
David L. Roberts