‘It’s not going to be tech that gets us out of it’: Modern slavery and digitisation in fashion supply networks

The purpose of this article is to examine the role of digital technology, especially Blockchain, in addressing modern slavery and labour exploitation within garment manufacturing supply networks. Drawing on empirical research with UK-based industry professionals, we argue that while digital tools contain benefits in enhancing transparency, they are limited by structural challenges such as extensive subcontracting, cost pressures, and corporate reluctance to adopt technology that could expose labour rights violations. We situate this discussion within the broader context of corporate/organisational criminology, by highlighting how business practices and regulatory gaps contribute to ongoing challenges of modern slavery. A key finding is that Blockchain risks becoming a superficial solution rather than a transformative tool, with its success depending on industry-wide reform and more consistent oversight. We conclude that digital technology can support transparency and due diligence efforts, but without addressing systemic organisational shortcomings, it risks serving as a ‘tech fix’ rather than a meaningful solution.