Craigslist approves prostitution pact Online classifieds site approves changes to help fight illegal services
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: November 7, 2008
HARTFORD, Conn. — Under the watchful eye of law enforcement in 40 states, Craigslist pledged Thursday to crack down on ads for prostitution posted on its Web sites.
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As part of Craigslist’s agreement with attorneys general around the country, anyone who posts an "erotic services” ad will be required to provide a working phone number and pay a fee with a valid credit card. The Web site will provide that information to law enforcement if subpoenaed to do so.
Jim Buckmaster, Craigslist’s CEO, said the deal will allow legitimate escort services to continue advertising, while providing a strong deterrent to companies that are conducting illegal business.
Craigslist filed lawsuits this week against 14 software and Internet companies that help people who post erotic service ads to circumvent the Web site’s defenses against inappropriate content and illegal activity. The company also will begin using new search technology in an effort to help authorities find missing children and victims of human trafficking.
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who brokered the deal, said his office contacted Craigslist after receiving several complaints from users late in 2007 about photographs depicting nudity on the site.
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OKLAHOMA TIES
Oklahoma and Kansas are among the states that signed the agreement.
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NO CHARGES: Federal prosecutors said Thursday that they will not bring criminal charges against Eliot Spitzer for his role in a prostitution scandal, removing a legal cloud that has surrounded the former New York governor since his epic downfall eight months ago. Investigators found no evidence that Spitzer or his office misused public or campaign funds for prostitution, U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia said.
From Wire Services
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