[Cerek the Barbaric]

I would prefer eBay to require a court order simply to prevent the possibility of fraud and identity theft. I can appreciate the fact that they want to protect themselves and want to have a friendly relationship with authorities, but I don't think they've considered the fact that anybody could send them a name and badge# and request information on a user.

As for the info itself being divulged to proper authorities, I don't have a problem with that. After all, my address and personal data could be found through a simple inquiry to the local Post Office. Likewise, I have no doubt that my ISP would provide local, state, or federal authorities with any info regarding my email account and internet browsing activities if they were asked to do so. If they refused to cooperate, that would make them appear suspicious.

With so many users, there is no doubt that at least a portion of the eBay members ARE committing fraud, scams, or selling stolen goods. What better way to get rid of some stolen electronics quickly and for a decent price to boot? EBay could conceivably be liable as an accessory if they didn't report such information upon request. Still, they need to think about that same liability problem if somebody impersonates an officer and then uses the information received to commit identity theft.