“Backpage and its executives purposefully and unlawfully designed Backpage to be the world’s top online brothel.”MasterCard and Visa sever ties with Backpage 'adult' section Read moreLiz McDougall, an attorney representing Backpage, did not respond to a request for comment. Authorities said the state’s three-year investigation found many of the ads include victims of sex trafficking, including people younger than 18. State agents posted escort ads online and met with those who posted to confirm that the communications were to arrange for commercial sex. Backpage has been the subject of recent Senate hearings into its classified ads, which often promote escort services. Last month, the supreme court refused to block a Senate subpoena seeking information on how Backpage screens ads for possible sex trafficking.

Source: The Guardian October 07, 2016 00:45 UTC