Federal Authorities Seize Backpage.com

Federal Authorities Seize Backpage.com

UPDATE (Friday, 4 p.m. PDT) — The FBI confirmed today that seven people were indicted on 93 counts of several different crimes, including money laundering and running a website to facilitate prostitution, related to Backpage.com. The FBI also confirmed that agents raided the Sedona, Ariz., home of Michael Lacey, the founder of the company, and that there were 17 victims, both adults and children, who say they were forced into sex trafficking.  

WASHINGTON — Backpage.com was seized by federal authorities today.

Visitors to the classified ad site landed on a notice from the government announcing its seizure.

“Backpage.com and affiliated websites have been seized as part of an enforcement action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, with analytical assistance from the Joint Regional Intelligence Center,” the announcement read.

Maxine Doogan, who leads ESPLER Project (Erotic Service Providers Legal, Education and Research), told XBIZ that "todays government overreach is another invasion of  the private lives of the population and another step deeper into totalitarianism.”

SESTA/FOSTA was passed last month as part of a push to crackdown on Backpage.com and other sites that were accused of facilitating human trafficking. The bill would amend the Communications Decency Act of 1996 to roll back immunity that Congress had conferred on websites for the actions of users.

According to Congress.gov, the SESTA/FOSTA bill was sent to President Trump on Tuesday for his approval. 

So far, the chilling effects caused by SESTA/FOSTA has altered the internet’s landscape in the U.S. and beyond. Sites offering all kinds of adult content have made some defensive moves in recent weeks.

CityVibe.com and Nightshift.co closed their sites after passage of the bill, while Craigslist cut its personals listings and Reddit pared its messaging boards.

VerifyHim closed its discussion board and mailing list; HungAngels.com removed its forums; YourDominatrix.com, shut down all U.S.-based ads; and Pounced.org closed.

Other reports of closures include MyScarletBook.com and ProvidingSupport.com, along with YellowPages.com, which shut down its escort services and removed ads.

MyFreeCams also changed its “terms of service” to explicitly ban any transaction that involves an offering to meet a site member for tokens.

Social network FetLife.com said that it wasn’t shutting down; however, the site has eliminated consensual blackmail and financial domination cases.

In moves that likely will affect international users, Google Play updated its policy to ban explicit content such as “promotional images of sex toys” and “apps that promote escort services.”

In addition, Google Drive deleted explicit content and locked out users, and Microsoft’s terms of service were updated, banning the use of “offensive language” and “inappropriate content,” such as nudity that may result in suspensions or bans for users of Skype, Xbox, Office and other services.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Brazzers Drops Season Finale of 'MILF Quest'

Brazzers has released the final episode of the first season of "MILF Quest," hosted by Cherie DeVille.

Beca Barbie Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Beca Barbie has made her debut for Hookup Hotshot alongside Nade Nasty.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Valerica Steele Headlines Jonni Darkko's 'DVP Sluts'

Valerica Steele toplines director Jonni Darkko’s “DVP Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Alison Rey Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Alison Rey stars with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from New Sensations.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Show More