Craigslist Subpoenaed In Online Prostitution Investigation
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has subpoenaed Craigslist as part of an ongoing investigation into whether or not the classified advertising website is doing enough to prevent prostitution and human trafficking through its service.
"The Craigslist brothel business seems booming–belying its promise to fight prostitution," Blumenthal said in a statement released on Monday. "We are asking Craigslist for specific answers about steps to screen and stop sex-for-money offers–and whether the company is actually profiting from prostitution ads that it promised the states and public that it would try to block."
"We’re seeking answers, so we can reach legal conclusions. If it is breaking its promises to the public, it may be breaking the law," he added. "If published reports prove true, Craigslist may be earning $36.3 million or more from adult and possibly illegal ads–huge profits from prostitution and human trafficking. Even if Craigslist only provides a host site for the ads, it should be held accountable."
Blumenthal, who is part of a 39-state group investigating Craigslist, "said in a statement that thousands of ads remain on Craigslist despite assurances from the company they would be removed," claims Alexandria Sage of Reuters.
According to Austin Carr of FastCompany, "The subpoena seeks information about Craigslist’s manual review process for objectionable advertisements, and also any documentation regarding the company’s telephone verification system for its adult services section."
In response, Craigslist.com CEO Jim Buckmaster wrote a blog entitled "Deja Blumenthal," accusing the Attorney General of "indulging in self-serving publicity at the expense of the truth and his constituents–touting a subpoena on television and telling whoppers about Craigslist ‘reneging’ on promises–even before Craigslist had been served with a subpoena."
He added that "Craigslist has gone beyond fulfilling its legal obligations, far beyond classifieds industry norms, has more than lived up to any promises it made, and working together with its partners is in fact a leader in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation”¦ With his senatorial race in full swing however, AG Blumenthal won’t let the facts get in the way of a good photo op."
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