Here's something interesting...you now have to be 21+ to be a verified provider. I don't think that was a rule before. Also, I've heard elsewhere on the board that eccie was closing accounts of providers below 21 years of age. That might give some clue as to their intent. Why change policies if you don't intend to be around? I'm not saying it necessarily means anything, just that it's interesting.
Backpage is clearly target #1. They are already in legal hot water anyway (which in itself indicates no new law was needed). I think the
ex post facto (retroactive) provision in the SESTA portion of the SESTA-FOSTA "Frankenstein" bill was aimed squarely at BP, because they want to be able to prosecute BP as it
was before rather than as it
is now, after all the changes they made.
After Backpage, TER is the obvious target. They are way larger than eccie and really the only site other than BP with any real national footprint that I'm aware of. TER shutting down their US ad forums seems telling that they are getting ready to be a target.
Of course that could all be wishful thinking and the .gov could just seize domains of a bunch of sites to shut them down at once, like they've done with piracy sites at least a couple of times. Who knows.
It might be possible that eccie's owners see this as a growth opportunity, if they think the law is going to be challenged and not enforced during legal challenges. If no one can advertise on TER, maybe they go looking for somewhere else to advertise.
Just some thoughts. It is certainly a possibility that eccie closes up shop, but it seems a little premature to assume that.
Here's the VP process as currently written. It's been a while since I've looked at it but I don't remember ever seeing the over 21 thing before, and certainly haven't heard of under 21 accounts being closed until very recently.
Ladies, you may post a weekly ad in this section once you have been upgraded to Verified Provider.
Submit your info to the staff at arkansas@eccie.net (PM directly to one of the Arkansas moderators is usually faster)
1. website address (your website or advertising site)
2. referral from another provider or hobbyist
3. links to reviews from recognized members (any site)
Any combination of the above requirements which will sufficiently establish you as a legit provider will be accepted.
In addition, you must submit proof to eccievp.verify@gmail.com that you are 21 or over to become a Verified Provider on Eccie. We require a photocopy of your Drivers License and/or state issued ID and your location. Your real name and address should be hidden, but your birth date and photo must be visible, along with your user name. We also need a close up picture of your face with you holding up the license or ID next to your face. Proof of age WILL be requested of ANYONE seeking VP status, regardless of their stated age. Please submit your information separately from the info you sent to your local staff for verification.
The verification process could take 24-48 hours.