“Craigslist Unexpectedly Pulls Adult Services Listings”
Eric Bangeman, Ars technica
9/5/2010
Craigslist is known for its easy access and for listings of everything in the world that can be given away or purchased. Originally, Craigslist did not see a problem with having a section where sex, like a used car or television, could be listed as “available”. Craigslist originally named this section “Erotic Services”. After constant criticism, Craigslist renamed and revised the section in May 2009: the “Adult Service” section would now make users pay a fee to post under such listings. The new revisions only raised more criticisms, resulting in the recent demise of the section. Over Labor Day Weekend, the section was permanently removed because law enforcement agencies believe that such listings will promote/condone prostitution and child exploitation. Unfortunately this may not be the end to such services on Craigslist: users may continue posting adult services under sections that are not intended for such use.
It is about time that the “Adult Services” section was removed from Craigslist. Such listings can be viewed by anyone: there are no filters on Craigslist that can prevent children from accidentally accessing these listings. Also, there have been several documentaries showing how different sites, including Craigslist, have been used to set up profiles for females of all ages, even children, that are involved in the sex trade. I believe that If this section stayed online, it would be condoning prostitution and the exploitation of innocent children. I am surprised this section was not removed sooner: it was an easy target for law enforcement agencies because the users’ intents were well known by all viewers of the posts.
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