Classified online advertising, specifically on Backpage.com, has become a facilitator of coercive underage prostitution, criminal activity and human trafficking especially after Craigslist made the responsible decision to abandon this business. It has been reported Backpage.com, owned by Village Voice Media, saw a 50% increase in prostitution ad revenue. This week in Arizona, Village Voice Media's home state, two adults were arrested in a case involving a 15-year-old girl prostituted using Backpage.com. In Washington, 3 young girls advertised for sex on Backpage.com were rescued. Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn has drawn attention to the cesspool of illegal activity generated by Backpage.com. He has been joined by attorneys general in no fewer than 48 states demanding answers. This must stop.
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