eBay Bans Sale Of Hate Items
Online auction site eBay Inc. said Thursday that it is banning the sale of items associated with Nazi Germany and hate groups on its Web site. Negative feedback from global users was a major factor in the decision.
In an announcement posted on its Web site, eBay noted that while it had already "implemented a policy prohibiting the listing of items that promote or glorify hatred, violence or racial intolerance" it had allowed "certain items" pertaining to these organizations to be sold if they could be considered "historical objects", i.e. at least 50 years old.
Under new guidelines that take effect May 17, the prohibitions will be broadened to include more items, such as those associated with notorious murderers.
Examples of items that will generally be removed under the expanded guidelines are:
- Items bearing symbols of the Nazis and Nazi SS, including authentic German WWII memorabilia
- Items that bear symbols of the KKK or other hate groups
- Crime scene, morgue and autopsy photographs
- Letters and artwork from notorious murders
- Electric chairs and related capital punishment items
- Copies of hate/racism/violence propaganda materials
Examples of items that may generally be listed include:
- German coins and stamps from 1930s and 40s, regardless of markings
- German WWII memorabilia that doesn't bear Nazi or SS markings
- Most historical books and about WWII or Nazi German, even if Nazi symbols appear on the item
- War documentaries or documentary photos portraying victims of war or violence
- Items of historical importance associated with acts of violence against public figures.
"Given our (global expansion, as well as feedback we've received from our users, we reviewed our policy and concluded that these changes are appropriate," said eBay general counsel Mike Jacobsen.
The announcement went on: "eBay will not become a platform for those who promote hatred toward their fellow man. Further, eBay is now a worldwide community, with many users residing in countries where the possession or sale of items associated with hate organizations is a criminal offense."
The Webs ite Yahoo! has also cracked down on the sale of hate items following threatened lawsuits.
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