In today's world, the automotive industry is one of the largest and most influential sectors of the economy. It involves many complex processes, from the development of new models to their production and delivery to the market. However, one of the biggest challenges facing the industry is the use of illegal labour in car factories. Learn also about the scandal between the US Senate and BMW here Child labour in the automotive industry Child labour remains one of the most painful and problematic topics in the context of illegal labour. Although child labour is strictly prohibited in most developed countries, it is still a common practice in some parts of the world. Children can work on assembly lines, in production halls or even in mines, extracting raw materials for the car industry.  The main reasons for child labour include poverty, lack of educational opportunities and weak legal protection. In countries where the government fails to properly enforce labour laws, children are often forced to work to help their families survive. It not only violates their rights, but also deprives them of the opportunity to get an education and escape the cycle of poverty. A prime example is the use of child labour in cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Cobalt is an important component for electric car batteries. A 2016 Amnesty International report revealed that children as young as seven years old were working in mines in the DRC in dangerous conditions, extracting cobalt, which was then supplied to major global car manufacturers.