Craiglist, an online classifieds company, has long been used by prostitutes and sex-oriented businesses to advertise their services. However, that may soon end as on Thursday Craiglist in an agreement with 40-state attorneys general, agreed to curb its unruly 'erotic services' listings.

Earlier this year, Richard Blumenthal, attorney general for Connecticut, sent a letter to Craiglist representing the demand of 40-states for the purging of certain material and that Craiglist should better enforce its own rules against illegal activity, including prostitution. This led to a discussion between both sides, regarding what Craigslist could do to prevent such ads.

Seeing the point the attorney generals were trying to make and admitting identified ads crossed the line, Jim Buckmaster, chief executive of Craigslist promised to do all to remove them from the site.

Keeping their word, Craiglist asks all erotic services advertisers to provide working phone numbers, which are called by an automated system. The system then reads a series of digits the advertiser is required to type into a Web page for verification. It is only then that the ad. appears on Craiglist's site.

Craigslist has also agreed to ask advertisers for valid identification, including charging erotic services vendors a small fee $5 to $10 for each ad. via credit card. Theoretically, this will allow the company to confirm user identities, while the money generated by the fee will be donated to charities, including those combating child exploitation and human trafficking.

No doubt, asking for authentication will prove a deterrent, as few prostitutes will want Craiglist calling them for additional identifying information, which could help track them down, leading to their arrest and conviction for breaking the law.

Craiglist has also agreed to sue 14-software and Internet firms that offer services designed to circumvent such protective measures. In addition, it will also use better filters and blocking systems for screening ads. to help block offers of illegal sexual services. Craiglist has a long list of measures, which it hopes will prevent the misuse of its web site, including assisting law enforcement investigations and improving the safety of Craigslist users.