Maine's attorney general today announced an agreement between 43 states and Craigslist to help deter and crack down on illegal activity being advertised in the erotic services section of the popular Internet classified provider.

Several states including Maine have experienced prostitution being offered on the Web site, which allows customers to post their own ads if they agree to terms of use that prohibit illegal activity.

The agreement calls for Craigslist to require a working telephone number and a fee paid by a valid credit card for anyone advertising in the erotic services section and will provide that information to police when presented with a subpoena.

Proceeds from the erotic services section fee will be donated to charity, according to the release from Maine Attorney General Steve Rowe.

"By placing barriers to anonymous posting and creating trails of information for law enforcement to pursue, this agreement will help curb sexual trafficking of children," Rowe said.

Craigslist also will sue 14 software and Internet companies that help erotic service ad posters avoid the Web site's defenses.

Craigslist also will use its search technology to help the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and police identify missing persons, children and victims of human trafficking.

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