Connecticut Attorney General's Office
Press Release
Attorney General Seeks Details Of Craigslist Effort To Keep Pornography, Open Prostitution Ads Off Site
May 26, 2009
Attorneys general of six states -- including Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania -- joined Blumenthal in a letter seeking the information. These states are members of the executive committee of a multistate attorney general task force.
"We want to know in no uncertain terms exactly how craigslist is blocking illicit activity -- specifics that show its good faith and provide guidance to other sites," Blumenthal said. "The soliciting for sex may be more subtle or disguised, so identifying code words and signals is key.
"We are seeking detailed policies and procedures to rid pornography and flagrant prostitution ads from craigslist's new adult services section. Stronger steps and standards should result from our ongoing questions and discussion. Craigslist has shown some progress against blatant prostitution and pornography, but our continued prodding and pressure is appropriate.
"We are actively pursuing other sites, demanding that they adopt similar safeguards and higher standards shutting out flagrant prostitution and pornography. We hope for craigslist's continued cooperation.
"I am determined to fight prostitution and pornography on craigslist and other sites, battling online brothels and sex supermarkets or related illicit activity. Prostitution and commercial sex -- far from being victimless -- are linked to human trafficking and child exploitation, as well as other serious crimes. This battle may seem daunting, since the ads may migrate, but constricting the space available and access to them will help stop their spread."
Blumenthal's letter asks craigslist to:
- Describe each step craigslist takes to determine whether an adult services post is a prostitution ad;
- Describe in detail the manual review process craigslist has created to screen posts in the adult services section, including but not limited to the number of individuals assigned to review postings and the name of any company craigslist has or will contract with to perform this function;
- Identify the criteria for refusing a posting in the section, including all prohibited terms;
- Provide the number of ads craigslist has declined to post in the adult services section since May 13th, including whether posters whose ads are denied receive notification from craigslist. If posters are notified, please provide a copy of the form notification.
- Identify what craigslist intends to do with the funds collected for adult services ads. Will the funds be distributed to charitable organizations, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children?
The letter also asks craigslist to post contact information and links to law enforcement/child protection agencies for each state, major city and region, including:
- Statewide law enforcement agency
- Child abuse and neglect hotline
- Local law enforcement agencies for each major city