What Happened to Backpage? The Full Story

Backpage Was Seized in April 2018

On April 6, 2018, the United States Department of Justice seized and shut down Backpage.com, one of the largest classified advertising websites in the world at the time. The founders and several executives were indicted on charges related to facilitating sex trafficking and money laundering. The site displayed a government seizure banner and has been offline ever since.

What Was Backpage?

Backpage was founded in 2004 as a classified advertising website, similar in concept to Craigslist. It grew rapidly to become the second-largest classified ads platform in the United States, operating in hundreds of cities across the US and internationally. Its adult advertising section became its most trafficked — and most controversial — category.

At its peak, Backpage processed millions of ad listings per month and generated over half a billion dollars in revenue from its adult section. Users could post free ads in categories including personals, jobs, housing, and services.

Why Was Backpage Shut Down?

Federal investigators alleged that Backpage knowingly facilitated sex trafficking by allowing and profiting from adult advertisements that were used to exploit victims. A 2017 Senate investigation found evidence that the company had coached advertisers on how to make listings appear less explicit while continuing to allow the underlying content.

In March 2018, Congress passed FOSTA-SESTA, a law that made it easier to hold websites legally liable for content that facilitates sex trafficking. Within weeks of the law passing, Backpage shut down its adult section voluntarily — then the entire site was seized by federal authorities days later.

What Happened to the Founders?

Backpage co-founders Michael Lacey and James Larkin were among those arrested and charged. The legal proceedings continued for years. The case highlighted broader debates about Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which had historically provided platforms with immunity from liability for user-generated content.

The Impact on Users

When Backpage closed, tens of millions of users who relied on the platform for legitimate classified ads — housing, jobs, services, and personals — were left without an alternative. Craigslist, which had also removed its personals section in response to FOSTA-SESTA the week before Backpage closed, was no longer an option for personal listings either.

The sudden closure created an immediate demand for alternatives. Dozens of new platforms launched in the following months, with varying degrees of success and safety.

The Best Backpage Alternative in 2026

Eight years after Backpage closed, BackpageSeek has emerged as the most reliable free alternative. It operates legally, covers 400+ cities across the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia, and provides a safe platform for legitimate classified ads and personals. Unlike Backpage, BackpageSeek has clear content policies and active moderation.

If you are looking for free local classified ads or personals in 2026, BackpageSeek is the best place to start.