eBay Settles Cyberstalking Case With Journalist Couple Over 2019 Harassment Campaign
eBay and a group of former executives have settled a cyberstalking lawsuit filed by Ina and David Steiner, the husband-and-wife team behind the retail industry publication EcommerceBytes. The Steiners, who had published critical coverage of eBay's business practices, were subjected to a coordinated harassment campaign in 2019 that included sending live insects, a funeral wreath, and other disturbing items to their home, as well as online surveillance and intimidation.
The settlement marks the resolution of a case that exposed what prosecutors described as a deliberate effort by eBay executives to silence a journalistic voice they viewed as unfavorable to the company's reputation. Several former eBay employees, including security personnel, faced criminal charges in connection with the harassment scheme.
The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, though the Steiners indicated they would receive compensation as part of the agreement. The case had drawn attention to concerns about corporate intimidation tactics targeting journalists and critics, and served as a reminder of the potential consequences when corporate security operations cross legal and ethical boundaries.