EBay and several former employees have agreed to pay about US$56 million to Ina and David Steiner, the couple behind EcommerceBytes, to settle a civil lawsuit over a 2019 harassment campaign targeting the newsletter.

The lawsuit, filed in 2021, alleged the campaign sought to silence the publication’s critical coverage through online abuse, threatening messages, and disturbing deliveries to the couple’s home.

Court records said the campaign used fake social media accounts, anonymous letters, and mailed items including live insects and a funeral wreath.

The Steiners’ lawyers said the settlement includes US$46.15 million from eBay, US$2 million from former chief executive Devin Wenig, US$500,000 from former executive Wendy Jones, and US$50,000 from former executive Steve Wymer, plus additional funds for nonprofits.

EcommerceBytes is an ecommerce trade publication founded in 1999 and read mainly by online sellers. It has long published coverage and commentary on policy changes at eBay and other marketplaces.

The settlement marks the latest development in the case. Seven former eBay employees and contractors have pleaded guilty, including former security chief James Baugh.

In January 2024, eBay entered into a deferred prosecution agreement that included a US$3 million criminal penalty, a three-year independent compliance monitor, and changes to its compliance program.

🔗 Source: CNBC