eBay has settled a cyberstalking and harassment case brought by journalists David and Ina Steiner, who ran the Ecommerce Bytes website. The campaign, allegedly instigated by former CEO Devin Wenig in 2019, aimed to silence Mrs. Steiner's critiques of the company.

According to prosecutors, Wenig instructed his communications chief to "take her down," leading to alleged instructions to eBay's former security team to "do whatever it takes." eBay employees then subjected the Steiners to online threats and disturbing packages delivered to their home, including live cockroaches and a bloody pig mask. Seven eBay security employees pleaded guilty in a 2020 case.

Today's settlement includes compensation of $46.15 million from eBay. Additionally, Wenig will pay $2 million, former executive Wendy Jones $500,000, and former executive Steve Wymer $50,000. eBay will also contribute $6 million to nonprofits, and Wenig will donate $1 million in Ina Steiner's name to a First Amendment charity. eBay stated the conduct was "wrong, reprehensible and should never have happened," adding that new leadership and strengthened policies are in place.