Craigslist, referred to as the world's largest classified advertising, came into the public spotlight after medical school student Philip H. Markoff was charged with the murder of a young woman he contacted and met through classifieds placed on Craigslist. That murder was one that captured national attention, but according to the Washington Post, police have connected 101 murders to Craigslist. \({ }^{71}\) Police departments around the country are so concerned about the Craigslist connections that they are starting to develop safe havens, or areas where Craigslist offerors and takers can conduct their transactions without the fear of robbery or murder.

Craigslist has not commented publicly on the issue of murder or crime connections since 2010.The company's position is that billions of transactions occur safely, and it does not have the ability to screen every ad posted or know the background of those who are posting ads and making connections.

Craigslist is not held responsible for murder or other crimes, even though the parties involved were connected through Craigslist or were responding to personal ads. \({ }^{72}\) The same is true of ticket sites, unless the site owner is aware that the tickets being offered are fraudulent or that the person posting the tickets has a history of selling fraudulent tickets. \({ }^{73}\) Unless Craigslist was aware of the danger of the personal ads or individuals posting them, then the company is not responsible for resulting criminal and/or harmful activity. If Craigslist participated in the development of ads that result in harm, it would also be held responsible. \(^{74}\)

As a result of the slow chipping away of the immunity from liability of the sites for personal and other types of ads that have resulted in criminal harm, changes are being made. For example, Craigslist removed erotic ads from its general classifieds and shifted them to a new category called, "Adult Services," where Craigslist employees do screen for suspicious posts..........................

Discussion Questions 1. Should Craigslist be responsible for criminal connections made via its listing service?
2. Who are the stakeholders for Craigslist, and did its solution solve the effects those stakeholders experience because of the ads? Be sure to consider the importance of advertising and its protections under the First Amendment.