German Federal Network Agency accuses eBay of Digital Services Act violations

Second, the matter concerns the platform's measures toward users. When a provider bans a user, the reason must be communicated „klar, verständlich und präzise“ so that those affected can understand the measures and effectively assert their rights, the authority warns. This is currently not guaranteed to a sufficient degree.

Third, the supervisory authority objects to the so-called mandatory seller information. Sellers and binding contact options must be clearly identifiable in order to protect consumers from fraud. In recent months, eBay had increasingly focused on commercial sellers who direct their products at end customers.

Jurisdiction and procedural framework

The German office is responsible because eBay has its main EU headquarters in Germany and has fewer than 45 million monthly users in the European Union. As the procedure shows, reports from France were also included, as provided for by the DSA. The coordination office has been reviewing corresponding reports regarding eBay since the beginning of January 2026.

The head of the German DSA supervisory authority, Johannes Heidelberger, announced: „eBay kann nun zu den Verstößen Stellung nehmen und die Verstöße beheben.“ Should the company not comply with the order, „weitere Maßnahmen ergreifen“ would be taken, Heidelberger warned. Specifically, the supervisory authority can issue an order and impose a fine on the online marketplace.

Reaction from eBay

eBay itself responded to an inquiry and pointed to an ongoing dialogue with the authority. A spokesperson stated: „Wir stehen zu diesen Fragen mit der Bundesnetzagentur in engem und konstruktivem Austausch und werden diesen Dialog im weiteren Verlauf des Verfahrens fortsetzen.“ At the same time, the company emphasized that it takes its obligations under the Digital Services Act very seriously and is of the view that it has „die gesetzlichen Anforderungen sorgfältig umgesetzt zu haben“.

Background on the Digital Services Act

The DSA gives users, among other things, the right to defend themselves against measures taken by platforms if they consider them to be incorrect. The EU regulation is intended to make digital services overall safer and to strengthen platforms' responsibility for content and transparency. eBay originally started as an online auction house for private sellers and bidders and has since developed into a global marketplace with predominantly commercial offerings.

Observers assess the action as part of a series of reviews with which national DSA coordinators in the EU are proceeding against large platforms. The further course of the procedure now depends on whether eBay and the Federal Network Agency reach an agreement. Otherwise, the company faces a formal order with a possible fine.