The announcement said Craigslist has also committed to sue 14 software and Internet companies that, for a fee, help erotic service ad posters circumvent the Web site’s defenses against inappropriate content and illegal activity, and that the site will provide the attorneys general with information about those businesses for possible civil and criminal prosecution.

In prepared remarks, Ohio Principal Assistant Attorney General Chris Geidner said Craigslist will deploy search technology that it developed to assist the NCMEC and law enforcement agencies in identifying missing persons, children and victims of human trafficking. Geidner said it will also explore technology to block inappropriate image uploads and better filter for code words and euphemisms for illegal activity.

“We are glad to see Craigslist is taking these steps to ensure that people using their site to promote illegal activity, will no longer be able to hide from the law,” Geidner said in the media release. “Law enforcement now will be able to more easily track down companies advertising illegal services and hold them accountable.”

"The criminals engaged in the sexual trafficking of children no longer parade them on the streets of America's cities,” said Ernie Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer of NCMEC.  “Today, they market them on the Internet, enabling customers to shop for a child from the privacy of their own homes or hotel rooms.We are honored to join with the attorneys general and Craigslist in this historic agreement to combat child prostitution advertisements and other illegal activity."

Other steps by Craigslist to crack down on erotic services ad content include attaching “tags” to the erotic services section that assist parental screening software and employing “digital flagging” to identity and eliminate inappropriate content. Users flag ads that violate Craigslist’s terms of service, which include prohibitions on pornography and criminal activity. Ads that reach a certain threshold of “flags” will automatically be eliminated. Craigslist will also meet on a regular basis with the attorneys general to discuss additional ways to fight inappropriate content and make the site safer.

About the author

John Michael Spinelli is a former Ohio Statehouse government and political reporter and business columnist. He now serves as the OhioNews Bureau Chief for ePluribus Media Journal. Find ONB archives here.