About the Integrity Helpline
eBay’s Commitment to Non-Retaliation
Reporting – General
Reporting Security & Confidentiality
Tips & Best Practices
About Integrity Helpline
Why do we need a system like the Integrity Helpline?
- At eBay we believe that our employees are our most important asset. Act with Integrity is a pillar of our DNA, which includes the need for employees to be open, honest, and ethical especially when it’s hard. By maintaining/creating open channels of communication, we can promote an ethical, positive work environment for all.
- Publicly traded companies are required by law to have an anonymous reporting vehicle to address accounting and auditing fraud directly to the audit committee.
- An effective reporting system will augment our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making.
How do I contact the Integrity Helpline?
People can ask a question or make a report on the Integrity Helpline either via online form or by filling out an online form or by making a toll-free telephone call seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, from any location, in multiple languages. The toll-free telephone numbers for your country are located on this website. You do not need an eBay computer or company email address to use this website.
eBay’s Commitment to Non-Retaliation
What if I am concerned about retaliation for making a report?
The ability to openly ask questions or communicate ethics and compliance concerns without fear of retaliation is essential to Our DNA and Acting with Integrity. eBay will not tolerate any retaliation against any person for asking questions or raising concerns in good faith. If you feel that you have experienced any form of retaliation as a result of making a report or raising an issue, promptly report it just as you would any other inappropriate behavior.
How does eBay protect reporters from retaliation?
- eBay’s non-retaliation policy strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports a concern, makes an inquiry, participates in an investigation, or refuses to engage in conduct they believe is unlawful or violates eBay policy.
- “Good faith” means you believe the information you provide is true at the time, even if an investigation ultimately finds no violation or reaches a different conclusion.
- eBay actively enforces this policy. Anyone found to have engaged in retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action.
Reporting – General
How does the Integrity Helpline work?
You may file a confidential report either by phone or online. If you report by telephone, a NAVEX operator will ask you some questions to gather information. You can also use the Integrity Helpline website to report online.
When submitting your question or report on the Integrity Helpline, you will create a password and be given a unique report number. Your report will be sent to eBay’s Office of Ethics and Compliance for an initial assessment and will then be assigned to an investigator depending on the nature of the report. You can follow-up and check the status of your question or report by calling back or logging onto the website with your password and report number.
What type of situations should I report?
You should contact the Integrity Helpline if you have any questions or concerns about potential violations of the law, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and other eBay policies.
Please note there are restrictions on the types of categories that can be reported through the Integrity Helpline by employees in the European Union. If the Integrity Helpline cannot accept a question or report about your concern, eBay encourages you to talk with your manager or a higher-level manager in your reporting line, or to contact an eBay Business Ethics Officer.
What if I’m not sure if what I’m reporting is a legal or policy violation?
You should still make the report. The Integrity Helpline is a resource to ask a question or make a report about a situation that simply may not feel right. By using the Integrity Helpline, you can make sure that your questions get to the right people so that you get the answers that you need. You should never try to investigate or confirm issues themselves as it could compromise the investigation process.
If I see a violation, shouldn't I just report it to my manager and let them deal with it?
If you prefer, you may report your concern to your manager or a higher-level manager in your reporting line. The Integrity Helpline is another reporting option for those who might prefer to remain anonymous or may otherwise not be comfortable reporting to management.
Why should I report what I know? What’s in it for me?
All of our actions collectively determine our company’s success. By reporting your concerns, you help build a company where integrity matters in everything we do.
Does management really want me to report?
Absolutely. You may have initial knowledge of an activity that may be cause for concern. Your reporting can minimize the potential negative impact of that activity on the company and our people. Also, offering positive input may help identify issues that can improve corporate culture and performance.
Where do these reports go? Who can access them?
Reports are entered directly on the EthicsPoint secure server to prevent any possible breach in security. EthicsPoint makes these reports available only to specific individuals within the company (in this case, eBay Ethics & Compliance) who are charged with initial intake and assignment of the report, based on the type of concern and location of the incident. Each of these report recipients has received training in keeping these reports in the utmost confidence.
What should I do if I lose my report key or password used for submitting a report?
Because of the high level of security that is maintained for these reports, if you lose your report key or password, you will need to fill out a new report. You should mention in the new report that it is related to a report you previously submitted.
Should I submit a report on the Helpline if I just need to ask a question?
If you are in any doubt about the best course of action or if you have any question concerning compliance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, any other eBay policy or the law, you may always use the Integrity Helpline. If you prefer, you may also talk with your manager or senior leader, the People Experience team, or a Business Ethics Officer. If you are in doubt about the interpretation or application of any law or regulation, you are encouraged to contact the Legal team.
What if I want to report a violation by a member of the Office of Ethics and Compliance or a Business Ethics Officer?
If the possible violation or concern involves a member of the Office of Ethics and Compliance or a Business Ethics Officer, you may report it to the People Experience team or the Chief Legal Officer. The implicated individual will be excluded from all consideration, investigation and resolution of the issue.
What if I think my manager or other member of management is involved in a violation, should I still make the report using the Integrity Helpline?
Yes, you should still make the report. Our standards apply to all eBay employees regardless of their position within eBay. Unlawful or unethical behavior can cause harm to employees, our business or our reputation. Our leaders and managers have a responsibility to be role models by demonstrating ethical behavior at all times.
Will the company really do anything about a report I make on the Integrity Helpline?
Yes. eBay takes all reports and allegations seriously and devotes the appropriate time and resources to investigate them. If eBay determines a violation of the law, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, or other eBay policy has occurred, appropriate corrective action will be taken.
Will I ever hear anything about the outcome of a report that I make on the Integrity Helpline?
eBay treats each report in a professional and confidential manner consistent with our commitment to investigate the information and our obligation to comply with applicable laws and regulations. After an investigation, the company will notify the reporter when a case has been closed. However, due to confidentiality concerns, we do not report the details of our investigations or any resulting disciplinary action.
Reporting Security & Confidentiality
If I report anonymously, can the report be traced back to me?
No. EthicsPoint does not generate or maintain any internal connection logs with IP addresses, so no information linking your device to EthicsPoint is available. In fact, EthicsPoint is contractually committed not to pursue a reporter’s identity.
If you feel uncomfortable making a report on your work device, you have the option of using your personal device or a public device to report.
Is the telephone toll-free hotline confidential and anonymous too?
Yes. You will be asked to provide the same information that you would provide in an Internet-based report and an interviewer will type your responses into the EthicsPoint Web site. These reports have the same security and confidentiality measures applied to them during delivery.
What if I want to be identified with my report?
There is a field in the report for identifying yourself, if you wish.
Tips & Best Practices
I am aware of some individuals involved with unethical conduct, but it doesn't affect me. Why should I bother reporting it?
Even if you are not personally affected, reporting potential misconduct helps eBay address problems early and protect the broader workplace. eBay expects employees to raise concerns when they become aware of behavior that may violate company policy or the law.
I am not sure if what I have observed or heard is a violation of company policy, or involves unethical conduct, but it just does not look right to me. What should I do?
You should file a report. EthicsPoint can help you prepare and file your report so it can be properly understood. We'd rather you report a situation that turns out to be minor than let possible unethical behavior go unchecked because you weren't sure.
What if my manager, or other managers are involved in a violation? Will they be able to see my report?
The EthicsPoint system, report distribution, and eBay’s investigations process are designed so that implicated parties are not notified or granted access to reports in which they have been named.
What if I remember something important about the incident after I file the report? Or what if the company has further questions for me concerning my report?
When you file a report at the EthicsPoint Web site or through the EthicsPoint Call Center, you receive a unique user name and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the EthicsPoint system again either by Internet or telephone and access the original report to add more detail or answer questions posed by a company representative and add further information that will help resolve open issues. We strongly suggest that you return to the site in the time specified to answer company questions. You and the company now have entered into an “anonymous dialogue,” where situations are not only identified, but can also be resolved, no matter how complex.
Are these follow-ups on reports as secure as the first one?
All EthicsPoint correspondence is held in the same strict confidence as the initial report, continuing under the umbrella of anonymity.
Can I still file a report if I don’t have access to the Internet?
You can file an EthicsPoint report from any computer that can access the Internet. If you don’t have access to or prefer not to report online, you can call the EthicsPoint toll-free hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
What if I remember something important about the incident after I have submitted a report through the Integrity Helpline? How can I provide that information?
When you submit a report in the Helpline portal or through the Integrity Helpline phone numbers, you receive a unique user name and are asked to choose a password. You can return to the Integrity Helpline again either by Internet or telephone and access the original report to answer questions or add further information.
What if my situation is an emergency?
EthicsPoint is NOT a 911 or emergency service. Please do not use this site to report events presenting an immediate threat to life or property. Reports submitted through this service may not receive an immediate response. If you require emergency assistance, please contact your local authorities.