eBay Stalking Lawsuit Settlement
eBay has agreed to pay nearly $56 million to settle a civil lawsuit filed by David and Ina Steiner, the Massachusetts couple behind the independent e-commerce publication EcommerceBytes. The lawsuit accused the company and several former executives of orchestrating a campaign of harassment intended to intimidate the couple and discourage their reporting on eBay. The settlement, valued at approximately $55.7 million, ends years of legal proceedings stemming from a shocking series of events that began in 2019.
What Happened?
David and Ina Steiner operate EcommerceBytes, a news website that covers online marketplaces and e-commerce companies. In 2019, the couple published articles that were critical of eBay and its leadership. According to federal prosecutors and court records, several company executives became frustrated with the coverage and members of eBay’s security team began carrying out a coordinated harassment campaign against the Steiners. The lawsuit alleged the goal was to emotionally and psychologically terrorize the couple in hopes they would stop publishing stories about the company.
A Campaign of Intimidation
Over several weeks, the Steiners received a series of disturbing deliveries at their home. Packages included live cockroaches, live spiders, fly larvae, a bloody pig mask, a funeral wreath, and a book about coping with the death of a spouse. Pornographic materials were also sent in David Steiner’s name to neighbors, apparently in an effort to embarrass the couple.
The harassment extended beyond mailed packages. Investigators found that former eBay employees sent threatening online messages, created fake online advertisements using the Steiners’ address, and traveled to Massachusetts to conduct surveillance outside their home. Prosecutors also said members of the group discussed breaking into the couple’s garage and placing a GPS tracking device on their vehicle.
Criminal Investigation
A federal investigation ultimately linked the harassment campaign to members of eBay’s security department. Seven former eBay employees pleaded guilty to federal charges, including conspiracy and cyberstalking. Several received prison sentences, while others were sentenced to probation or home confinement. In 2024, eBay also entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and agreed to pay a $3 million criminal penalty for the conduct of its employees.
The Settlement
The civil settlement totals approximately $55.7 million. Under the agreement, eBay will pay the majority of the settlement, while several former executives will also contribute financially. The settlement also includes millions of dollars in charitable donations supporting nonprofit organizations, including groups that promote First Amendment rights. The agreement does not include a confidentiality clause, meaning the Steiners are free to continue speaking publicly about their experience.
eBay Responds
In a statement, eBay condemned the actions of the former employees involved in the harassment campaign, calling their conduct unacceptable. The company said those responsible are no longer employed by eBay and that it has implemented significant changes to its leadership, ethics policies, and oversight procedures since the incident occurred.
Why the Case Matters
The lawsuit has become one of the most high-profile examples of corporate retaliation against journalists and independent publishers. The case drew national attention because of the extraordinary lengths taken to intimidate two reporters over their coverage of a major corporation.
The nearly $56 million settlement brings the civil case to a close while serving as a reminder that attempts to silence journalists through intimidation can result in significant legal and financial consequences.
