Craigslist, the online classified ad website, has stopped offering its controversial Adult Services feature, but only in the United States, apparently, and for how long is anyone’s guess.

The Adult Services feature was felt by many critics to be a sex solicitation business used by traffickers to market their enslaved victims.  Although Craigslist officials denied the allegations, it appears that a mounting chorus of criticism — including a letter demanding action signed by 17 states Attorneys General — has finally had its desired effect.

Craigslist, even as it blocked this portion of its online business, appeared defiant.  Where Adult Services had been located on its website, there is no a black box with the word “Censored.”  And Adult Services is still available in Europe.

It is also unclear whether the action is permanent or temporary.  Craigslist executives were unavailable for comment.