Craigslist: 'Spectacular' decline in erotic services listings

Craigslist, which is under fire from a lawsuit launched Cook County (Illinois) Sheriff Thomas Dart, has detailed its efforts with reducing "erotic services" listings on its site since it struck a deal with state authorities. 

In a blog post, Craigslist detailed its progress in ridding the site of illegal erotic services listings since it struck a deal in November with 40 U.S. Attorneys General and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster, who noted in a previous post that he was mystified by Dart's lawsuit, said the company has been remiss in touting its progress on curbing illegal activity. 

Buckmaster offered this graphical proof:

Buckmaster concluded:

Beyond the enormous reduction in ad volume, the ads that remain on the site are much improved in their compliance with our Terms of Use and local laws, in part due to screening measures developed in collaboration with the Attorneys General and law enforcement.

In this same time span, craigslist staff have continued to work closely with law enforcement agencies across the country to vigorously pursue those engaged in the horrific crimes of human trafficking and exploitation of minors.

Finally, net revenue is accumulating from the fees now required of those posting under “erotic services,” 100% of which is earmarked for donation to worthy charities, and we will soon be in position to begin distributing these funds.