Web site operators who publish mugshots in hopes of causing enough pain and embarrassment as to force the subject of the mugshot to pay money to them or an affiliated company for removal had a bad week. Attorney Jenna Thorne has written an excellent article summarizing the unscrupulous activies of these site and what Google, Wells Fargo, Mastercard and others are doing to fix it.
Many of the publishers continue to publish the mugshots even after a criminal record has been expunged or sealed.
State lawmakers and some attorneys contemplated actions against these parasites. However, the recent actions by big corporate players has delivered the biggest blow yet. The parasites are not dead, but they have to be feeling a lot more uncomfortable.
"Google has updated their algorithm to prevent mug shot websites from appearing at the top of their search results, and credit card companies and payment providers are investigating the business practices of websites that publish arrest photos and extort money from individuals desperate to get them removed. While individuals have been anxiously waiting for relief in the form of new law passed to curb this unethical practice, it may be other private businesses that are finally able to eliminate this entire industry."
You can read the full article at RecordGone.com
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