Craigslist to change erotic services section to require working phone number and credit card charge. Information to be given to police upon subpoena.

"Requiring credit-card verification, and charging a fee to post in this category raises accountability to a point where we expect few illicit ads will remain," CEO Jim Buckmaster said. He said that "more than ever, those who would misuse Craigslist to violate the law will find that Craigslist is a very inhospitable place."

The San Francisco -based service also said it had filed 14 lawsuits against businesses selling software and other services designed to evade its terms of use.

Craigslist said its website is used by 40 million Americans every month. It said the incidence of crime on the site is low, but that "no amount of criminal activity is acceptable."

Craigslist makes pact with 39 states, District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

Source: http://www.cnbc.com/id/27576593