Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

CT Attorney General, Other State AGs Meet With Craigslist, Urge Closure Of Online Brothel

May 5, 2009

"In our meeting today with craigslist, we urged the site to swiftly shut down the online brothel operating from its pages. Craigslist's measures to combat prostitution and pornography are so far inadequate, failing to curb activities that contribute to human trafficking, child exploitation and other crimes.

"My ongoing investigation recently tested craigslist's self-policing system -- flagging for removal ads featuring hardcore pornography, nudity and obvious offers of sex for money. Almost none of the ads were removed, indicating that craigslist's self-policing is inadequate and ineffective.

"Craigslist's failure to adequately address illegal activity and inappropriate images is unacceptable. In our meeting today, we restated the pressing need to remove all prostitution ads and pornography, as well as halt other illicit activity. Our proposals include elimination of the erotic services section, image blocking to expunge pornographic and naked photos throughout the site and swift removal of ads flagged and confirmed as violating craigslist's terms of service.

"Craigslist is an enormous asset, providing a powerful means for consumers to buy and sell items, as well as interact. These ads -- a tiny fraction of the site -- threaten to overshadow and undermine the site's overwhelmingly positive impact.

"Craigslist must banish virtual streetwalkers and pornography. If the site fails to act, we must consider additional measures, including possible legal action, to protect children and the public."