eBay to pay $55.7 million settlement over harassment of critics

For months, a couple who publicly criticized eBay’s business practices faced relentless harassment from the company’s employees and contractors, according to a lawsuit filed in 2022. The plaintiffs, who had raised concerns about eBay’s handling of seller fees and alleged discriminatory policies, reported repeated phone calls, emails, and in‑person confrontations that they say were designed to silence their dissent. The complaint detailed how eBay’s internal teams allegedly coordinated to intimidate the couple, violating federal anti‑retaliation statutes.

Six years after the harassment began, eBay has agreed to a settlement that includes a $1.2 million payment to the couple and a commitment to overhaul its employee training and compliance procedures. The settlement also requires eBay to implement a third‑party oversight program to monitor interactions with external critics and to provide a confidential reporting mechanism for employees who witness or experience retaliation. While the company declined to comment on the specifics of the internal reforms, the agreement marks a significant resolution to a prolonged dispute that highlighted broader concerns about corporate conduct and the protection of whistleblowers.