The controversial adult services section on a popular classified ad website has shut down after years of public and government pressure, and on the same day that a Senate report alleged it masked child sex trafficking and prostitution. There are also prompts that take to you the website's response to eliminating the adult services ads and for websites encouraging free speech. In September , NBC 7 San Diego told the story of a young single mother who said she was marketed and sold as a prostitute on the website.
Backpage claims the government is unconstitutionally censoring the site β the result of "extra-legal tactics" from the Senate investigations subcommittee and others, according to a news release, though the release also said removing the pages was Backpage's own decision.
Shutdown of their site will result in much fewer victims whose enslavement is hidden by the social media platform of Backpage. Stephan calls Backpage the largest internet brothel, responsible for the purchase and sale of minors for sex. Backpage claims the pressure "undermines efforts by Backpage.
The crackdown on the website Monday comes hours after the release of a U. Senate report that accused Backpage of editing some of the ads to help disguise content that indicated sex for sale. NBC News reported that the Senate committee's inquiry found evidence that Backpage knowingly facilitated prostitution and child sex trafficking. The company's CEO was arrested in October on felony pimping charges.
An attorney for Backpage called the arrest "an election year stunt" at the time. Johnson said she was sold into prostitution and for five years amassed customers in several southern California cities by placing ads on Backpage.
