So,...this is happening...

https://www.yahoo.com/news/supreme-c...71.html?ref=gs

Any comments on what you think this might mean for independent providers posting on the internet? What about the future of Backpage.com and ECCIE.net?

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And now,...this just happened.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/backpage-...07.html?ref=gs

No comment from anyone about all this?! Really?!
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WOW! Saw this on the news this morning too. Wonder how long before BP is down. They shut down escorts.com pretty quick after they raided their offices and I believe they were only accused of tax violations. These guys are being charged with pimping underage girls.... Bet you they are regretting the day they decided to charge for ads. I guess time will tell the fate of BP. I suspect it will not stay up for long.

The Feds seem to have an agenda against online adult services. Most likely, as SweetNikki505 stated, it involves money. Specifically, money that may be difficult to tax. We all know our government will usually look the other way until someone stiffs them on taxes. If the Feds REALLY were interested in stopping "human trafficking", it would spend more time, effort, and tax payer dollars preventing potential victims from coming into the U.S. It would also target the black market websites, not places like Backpage, where human trafficking makes up a very small percentage of ads placed.

So, lets take inventory,...Southwest Companions, Craigslist, Redbook, Escorts.com, Backpage, all successfully prosecuted and taken down. Ashley Madison, a Canadian company, hacked and private information leaked to the media, essentially crippling the company. I have a feeling the Feds have been behind all of these events. It's only a matter of time before they come after sites like this, too. The human trafficking angle is only an excuse to shake down site owners.

People here are at this site are also making money, even if its only through advertising. If no one were making money, it wouldn't be so popular and so big. If there's money to be made, the government wants their slice of the pie. If they don't get it, watch out!

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This is a lawyer that helps those in the hobby. This is his take on everything. If you're interested.

http://m.eccie.net/showthread.php?t=1855344

Actually my point was that the charges aren't about money this time and are more serious for these men. Also, I disagree with you about how small an issue human trafficking on BP is. I think there are many women/young girls being pimped out on BP and it's not just women/young girls from other countries. It's a recent phenomenon that I've only seen explode since BP actually. As small proof we independents have been getting contacted by pimps as of the last year or so, which is something I have never experienced in all my previous years in the hobby. Not sure if the feds have a case or not but I still suspect BP has a very short shelf life in light of these events.

Just as a side note this isn't the first time BP has gone head to head with the feds but this is the first time I believe anyone has been arrested. They actually started charging for ads due to another incident in the past where the feds required they be able to track posters info, if need be, through payment information. And not long ago feds pressured credit card companies to no longer accept payments for BP, so BP changed everything up then but didn't shut down. It appears this time is different though.

Well, I certainly don't want to be in the position of defending human trafficking. Regardless of how prevalent it may be on BP. I personally despise it.

It's a difficult situation no doubt. Adult provider websites help keep the hobby off the streets, but at the same time, the sites offer a haven for more serious criminals. Shutting down websites isn't the answer, since supply and demand will only migrate to a new location creating the same issues. We see it time and time again. The Feds are simply playing a game of musical chairs.

Legalization and regulation is probably the best solution, but I don't see the U.S. becoming that progressive for many years to come. Until then, we all must keep looking over our shoulder and watching out for Big Brother.

.

Well, I certainly don't want to be in the position of defending human trafficking. Regardless of how prevalent it may be on BP. I personally despise it.

It's a difficult situation no doubt. Adult provider websites help keep the hobby off the streets, but at the same time, the sites offer a haven for more serious criminals. Shutting down websites isn't the answer, since supply and demand will only migrate to a new location creating the same issues. We see it time and time again. The Feds are simply playing a game of musical chairs.

Legalization and regulation is probably the best solution, but I don't see the U.S. becoming that progressive for many years to come. Until then, we all must keep looking over our shoulder and watching out for Big Brother.

. Originally Posted by badcompany247

It's coming sooner rather than later. After people are seeing Colorado's legalization of you know (lol!), most likely our hobby will be next. It'll just have to take a state that has no "religious" backers to make the shift. Here's hoping!

I originally came into the Hobby in Oklahoma a very dangerous place! I always make both private and public connections because i have seen a fair amount of closures in 15 years.

...I originally came into the Hobby in Oklahoma a very dangerous place!... Originally Posted by Wolffman62

Good point. I'm sure everyone (hobbyists and providers alike) want safety to be a high priority. Again, legalization would keep all parties happy and safe,...including local, state, and federal entities.

.

...It's coming sooner rather than later... Originally Posted by joshf26

Let's hope. The country was so worried about legalized marijuana creating major problems in Colorado, and we haven't seen it. There were worries about Native American casino's opening around the country, and although certain people may have issues with gambling addictions, for the most part, the casino's have not been a major concern as far as contributing to increased vice or crime. It's time for America to get beyond it's fear of change.

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It seems that BP may have won the first round in their latest legal battle against the Feds.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/californi...83.html?ref=gs

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Amen to that

[QUOTE=badcompany247;1058726469]The Feds seem to have an agenda against online adult services. Most likely, as SweetNikki505 stated, it involves money. Specifically, money that may be difficult to tax. We all know our government will usually look the other way until someone stiffs them on taxes. If the Feds REALLY were interested in stopping "human trafficking", it would spend more time, effort, and tax payer dollars preventing potential victims from coming into the U.S. It would also target the black market websites, not places like Backpage, where human trafficking makes up a very small percentage of ads placed.

So, lets take inventory,...Southwest Companions, Craigslist, Redbook, Escorts.com, Backpage, all successfully prosecuted and taken down. Ashley Madison, a Canadian company, hacked and private information leaked to the media, essentially crippling the company. I have a feeling the Feds have been behind all of these events. It's only a matter of time before they come after sites like this, too. The human trafficking angle is only an excuse to shake down site owners.

People here are at this site are also making money, even if its only through advertising. If no one were making money, it wouldn't be so popular and so big. If there's money to be made, the government wants their slice of the pie. If they don't get it, watch out!

.[/QUOTE

I agree