SOCASTEE, S.C. — A troubling human trafficking case near the state’s northern border highlights potential risks on the Grand Strand due to inadequate rideshare regulations and driver training, according to an attorney.
Tracey Cowan, head of Clarkson Law Firm’s sexual assault practice, filed a 38-page lawsuit against Uber in York County, alleging that the company’s lack of safety standards led to two 12-year-old girls being driven across state lines and raped.
“This is Uber’s responsibility to stop. Uber is aware of this issue but refuses to take basic, common-sense measures to ensure our children are safe,” Cowan said during a media call. “Uber is focused on profit, ignoring the harm caused.”
In 2023, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) reported 357 open human trafficking cases, involving up to 500 victims, primarily minors who were sexually assaulted. Cases were reported in 40 counties, including 24 in Horry County.
In February, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched a new tutorial program with Lyft to help drivers detect human trafficking. Cowan suggested Uber could implement similar measures, such as:
- Mandatory anti-trafficking training for all drivers
- A zero-tolerance policy for transporting unaccompanied minors
- Monitored dashcams in all Uber vehicles
“Uber’s business model is flawed because it’s aware of human trafficking on its platform but does not require drivers to receive any training on identifying and supporting potential trafficking victims,” Cowan said.
Uber has not updated its human trafficking policy on its website since 2019. The lawsuit names the drivers involved in the York County case as John Does, as Uber executives have not disclosed their identities.
“It’s easier than ever for traffickers to move their victims,” Cowan said. “I would never let my children ride alone in an Uber, and I doubt Uber executives would either.”