internet drama
DOJ seizes Backpage.com
The Department of Justice on Friday seized Backpage.com, a classified ads website. While many of the site's listings are similar to what one would find on Craigslist, the DOJ says Backpage also hosts ads facilitating sex trafficking and prostitution. Backpage was previously under congressional investigation, after which it edited its listing policies.
Visitors to the site and its affiliates will now see a notice of seizure from the FBI, the IRS, and several other agencies. The statement describes the seizure as part of an "enforcement action" but provides no further details.