eBay's "connecting buyers and sellers globally" motto may not have the same ring to it next week when its new user policy goes into effect.
In the section titled, "Legal Disputes," eBay informs users that "any claim or dispute at law or equity...will be resolved in accordance with the provisions set for in this Legal Disputes Section."
Opt-out is possible, but not easy
It is possible to opt out of eBay's forced arbitration clause, but as Public Citizen pointed out, the method is rather archaic.
"The only way people can opt out is by signing and sending a letter by traditional snail-mail - a strange requirement for a company whose entire business platform is online."
"To put it charitably," Weissman said, "eBay's requirement that opt-outs be submitted through traditional mail raises questions about the sincerity of its commitment to permitting users to protect themselves."
For its part, eBay told CNET that "the arbitration provision encourages swift and reasonable resolution as opposed to litigation that can be protracted, expensive and often dissatisfying to customers.
"We believe this approach will benefit both eBay Inc. and our customers."
All of a sudden, the online website's ban on spells and potions doesn't seem like that big of blow to its users' freedoms anymore.
Via CNET, Public Citizen
