HARTFORD, Conn. — Under the watchful eye of law enforcement in 40 states — including Colorado and Wyoming — Craigslist pledged Thursday to crack down on ads for prostitution on its websites. 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 website will provide that information to law enforcement if subpoenaed.
Jim Buckmaster, left, Craigslist’s chief executive, said the deal will allow legitimate escort services to continue advertising, while providing a strong disincentive to companies that are conducting illegal business. “We don’t view it as a penalty; we view it as raising the accountability,” he said.
Craigslist filed lawsuits this week against 14 software and Internet companies that help people who post erotic-service ads to circumvent the website’s defenses against inappropriate content and illegal activity.
Craigslist, which posts 30 million ads every month in hundreds of cities, will also begin using new search technology to help authorities find missing children and victims of human trafficking. Police across the country have been arresting people for using websites such as Craigslist to advertise the sexual services of women and children.
