Backpage.com says it will not drop adult services

HARTFORD, Conn. -- The Backpage.com classified advertising website says it will not close its adult services section despite a call to do so from several state attorneys general.

Backpage.com said in a blog posting Tuesday that it will not drop the category because it has increased efforts, including working with law enforcement officials, to block ads promoting prostitution and child trafficking.

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced earlier that he and 20 other colleagues sent the letter to Backpage calling for the removal of its adult services because of concerns it could not effectively screen out illegal ads. Blumenthal said he plans to meet with the other state officials about Backpage's decision.

Craigslist closed its adult services section earlier this month after the attorneys general and others raised similar concerns.