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eBay reaches $56M settlement with e-commerce newsletter writers it terrorized in2019
eBay has settled a $56 million lawsuit with newsletter writers Ina and David Steiner, who were harassed by the company's former executives in 2019 after criticizing eBay. The settlement includes substantial payments from eBay and former executives, following the incarceration of several involved in the harassment. eBay condemned the actions as not reflective of its culture and apologized to the Steiners.
Key points
- In 2019, Ina and David Steiner faced targeted harassment from eBay executives after critiquing the company.
- Harassment methods included using fake social media accounts, sending threatening letters, and bizarre mail items.
- A GPS tracking plan and a proposal to send a gang to intimidate the Steiners were considered but not executed.
- The $56 million settlement resolves a 2021 civil case against eBay, involving both eBay and former executives.
- The settlement includes $46.15 million from eBay, $2 million from CEO Devin Wenig, and $500,000 from Wendy Jones.
- Seven former employees were criminally charged, including the former security chief, James Baugh, sentenced to nearly five years.
- eBay stated the behavior was not representative of their corporate culture and issued a formal apology.
Why it matters
- This incident highlights the power dynamics in the tech industry, where corporate accountability is critical.
- The rise of e-commerce has increased scrutiny on companies’ treatment of critics and journalists.
- The case underscores ongoing discussions about corporate ethics and employee conduct in the digital space, relevant to 2025 IT trends focusing on accountability and integrity.
The eBay settlement serves as a reminder of the consequences of corporate misconduct, reinforcing the importance of ethical practices in business and protecting free expression in journalism.