Technology-assisted Investigative Search: A Case Study from an Illicit Domain

For many, search engines like Google and Bing offer excellent facilities for satisfying information needs. However, a class of needs not currently addressed by generic search engines is investigative search, which has massive potential for using adaptive technology for social good. In this case study, we describe the challenges of investigative search in the online sex trafficking domain, along with the insights gained from user feedback in using a real-world investigative search system developed in our group.