Craigslist has removed the "adult services" section of its site, an infamous source of online sex and drug trafficking, after years of pressure from state attorney generals. The adult services site was replaced with the word "censored" on Friday. It is unclear if Craigslist took the action of its own volition or in response to a request or demand from U.
Here's the sordid history and what it all means. Skip to content Site Navigation The Atlantic. Popular Latest Newsletters. Search The Atlantic. Quick Links. Sign In Subscribe. This article is from the archive of our partner. Rising Controversy The San Francisco Chronicle's Benny Evangelista writes , "The controversial Craigslist adult services section, which attorneys general in 18 states have demanded be taken down, has been deactivated and covered with the word "censored" for locations inside the United States.
The San Francisco online classified ads site has come under increasing criticism form groups like the Rebecca Project for Human Rights the section is being used to advertise prostitution, especially with underage girls.
Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster has said the screening caused a steep drop in the number of such listings making it onto the site. Last month, 18 state attorneys general published an open letter to Craigslist demanding that it take down that portion of the site altogether. The Craigslist Murder That Started This Reuters' Deena Beasley recalls , "The [increased screening] move came after a masseuse who offered her services on Craigslist was killed and a client was charged with her murder.
The man charged in the case committed suicide last month in a Boston prison cell. The site has been embattled as old press and state attorneys general use any excuse to blame sex crimes on the site.
