Here’s a story hot off the presses. Craigslist has dropped its “erotic services” ads following pressure from state attorneys general in several states. The lawyers contend such ads are advertisements for illegal sexual activities, according to an AP story.
You might remember that in February, police here used that category on craigslist to set up a sex sting at a Bainbridge Island hotel. Four women were ultimately arrested and charged. And today, a Kent man pleaded innocent in a craiglist murder for hire case.
Then came word this morning from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who said craigslist will create a new adult category that its Web site employees will review. She added that in seven days, “erotic services” ads will be gone.
“This change should significantly reduce the blatant misuse of Craigslist’s online classified ad service to promote prostitution,” our own state attorney general, Rob McKenna, said in a statement Wednesday. “It will only be successful if Craigslist follows through on its promise to actively monitor its site for illicit images and messages. If Craigslist does follow through, it will help state attorneys general and our law enforcement partners as we fight sexual exploitation to make our communities safer.”
Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster said Wednesday they’re creating a new, more closely monitored “adult services” category, according to the New York Times.
Nationally, craigslist has been pressured get rid of the ads following the killing of a masseuse by a medical student he met on the site.
