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This is hardly a surprise, given the well-coordinated media campaign against Craigslist, but despite multiple "settlements" with various state attorneys general, it appears that those AGs keep going back to the headline-generating well of demanding Craigslist "fix" things. You may recall that nearly two years ago, after being hounded by some AGs, Craigslist settled with the AGs, despite clearly being protected by Section 230 of the CDA. However, despite it being "settled," some AGs felt it wasn't enough and six months later there was another settlement. And, of course, it wasn't long before the AGs started complaining again.
So, take a guess what's happening now. Once again, 17 attorneys general (down from in the past) have sent a letter demanding that Craigslist shut down the "adult services" section of the site (which, it should be noted, Craigslist only created in response to AG pressure in one of these earlier settlements). What's ridiculous about this is that it's a complete "head in the sand" approach that these AGs are taking towards their jobs. In fact, this is the exact opposite of them doing their jobs. Rather than actually going after any criminals who use Craigslist -- as some smart law enforcement officials do -- these AGs are actively pushing this activity further underground where it will be harder for them to stop it. And they're doing it by focusing in on the highly emotional claims of "child trafficking" on the site -- as if those involved suddenly will stop trafficking if they can't post to Craigslist.
Frankly, it's sickening. These 17 attorneys general are effectively demanding that Craigslist stop making it so easy for them to find people involved in child trafficking. Here's a great way for these AGs to actually do their job and to use the tools readily available to track down, capture and stop human traffickers, and their response is to grandstand and blame the company that helps them do that. Rather than fighting human trafficking, these AGs are further enabling it.
Just recently we wrote about Topix CEO Chris Tolles' experience dealing with crusading AGs who know they don't have the law on their side, but who use the press to bully companies into changing. Watching this process play out with Craigslist, it's clear that even if you "settle" those AGs may continue to hound you, as long as it's going to generate headlines falsely claiming that they're "doing something" to "protect the children."Permalink | Comments | Email This Story
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