Tech backs bill against online sex traffic

Technology companies reversed their opposition to legislation aimed at squelching the online trafficking of children and now support a Senate measure they earlier criticised as endangering freedom of expression.

The Internet Association, a trade group whose members include Google and Facebook, issued a statement in support of what it called a compromise on the bill. Senators said in a statement there had been technical changes to the measure.

The bill was sparked by a fight against the Backpage.com website, which was accused of providing an advertising platform for teen prostitution. Critics of the measure say it would create greater liability for speech