On Friday, USA Herald reported the FBI’s seizure of Backpage.com. However, on Monday, additional news of indictments made against executives and founders of Backpage came to light, documents The Hill.
An Overview of the Seizure of Backpage
Backpage, a platform widely regarded as seedy, is most infamous for its enablement of sex work and prostitution. However, Friday’s seizure occurred after an investigation unearthed Backpage’s involvement in the sex trafficking of children and others. The FBI along with other agencies (Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the Department of Justice, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Criminal Investigation Division, and the Internal Revenue Service) collectively engendered the deserved demise of Backpage.
The downfall of the platform has engendered considerable feedback, especially on social media. Some people have expressed concerns about the economic and financial impact that will be made on sex workers. However, other individuals have countered the preceding worries, affirming that the safety and wellbeing of children come first.