566.103. Crime of promoting online sexual solicitation, violation, penalty.
Letting illegal sex ads stay online after being warned is a crime.
This law makes it illegal for website owners to allow sex-related ads—especially involving kids—to stay online after being told to take them down.
1. A person or business breaks this law if they knowingly allow a website they control to show ads for prostitution, child sexual conduct, or child sex trafficking after getting notice to remove them.
2. A “web-based classified service” means any website with ads for goods, services, or personal connections tied to a specific internet domain name.
3. An ad is considered illegal if a reasonable person would think it offers sex for money, seeks a child for sexual acts, or offers a child for sexual purposes in violation of certain laws.
4. If the ad is not removed within 72 hours of notice, it is considered clear evidence that the person or business acted knowingly.
5. The attorney general or a local prosecutor can send the notice by certified mail or fax.
6. Breaking this law is a felony and can lead to fines of $5,000 for each day the illegal ad remains online after the 72-hour deadline.
7. Local prosecutors have the power to file charges under this law.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
