Risky Business

Will "Craigslist Killer" Reignite Legal Debate Over Internet Classifieds?

By Matthew Bandyk

Posted: April 17, 2009

The "Craigslist killer" is back in the news again. A Warwick, Rhode Island woman became the victim of an attempted robbery last night after meeting with a potential client in a hotel. She had advertised massage services on Craigslist. Police believe this crime may be linked to the murder of a woman in a Boston hotel two days earlier.  Again, the victim is believed to have met the killer through Craigslist.

Authorities have critcized Craigslist in the past for providing criminal avenues. Last month, a Texas sheriff sued Craigslist, saying that the site provided a "safe haven" for prostitutes.

Will the law crack on Craigslist to try to prevent these tragedies? These cases could force online classified and social media sites to have to be more careful about what they allow for fear of liability.

Software

Thank you for another great post.

I look forward to many more entries with high quality info.

Software of AL @ Sep 20, 2009 17:25:32 PM

Software

Thank you for another great post.

I look forward to many more entries with high quality info.

Software of AL @ Sep 20, 2009 17:24:35 PM

A Pragmatic View on Craigslist and the Internet

t's amazinghow quick some are to abuse the tragedy that befell Julissa Brisman. If convicted, Philp Markoff will be the only criminal here, and crucifying Craigslist and Craig Buckmaster, is only providing a stage for politicians, visibility for Craigslist's competitors, and a distraction for the rest of us.

As Buckmaster points out, when criminals use the Internet, they leave a trail of bread crumbs that helps police quickly identify and arrest them. In just a couple of days, Markoff was off the street, other young women have been saved, and law enforcement has saved a lot of time and money.

We all know that some of us will choose to fulfill their sexual needs with paid providers who aren't left waiting for love that won't be fulfilled. The real question here is how we can help the police make better use of Craigslist and other resources, catching criminals after their first crime rather than after others have needlessly suffered. I'm sure Julissa Brisman's family would agree.

David Le Vine

http://twitter.com/dlevinethinks

David LeVine of CA @ Apr 25, 2009 16:03:52 PM

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Risky Business

Risky Business

Matt Bandyk, a reporter for U.S. News, explores capitalism from where it all begins, with the entrepreneur, whose risk taking and experimentation provide the roots from which the rest of the economy grows. As much courage as it takes to create one's own business, even the entrepreneur needs some help, and this blog will look at news, trends, and practical advice for starting and running a small business.

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