U.S. Political Contributions & Disclosures

eBay's purpose is to pioneer new communities around the world, built on commerce, sustained by trust, and inspired by opportunity.

The mission of eBay's Global Government Relations team aligns with the Company’s Purpose:

To be a world-class government relations organization that proactively interacts with policymakers and elected officials to ensure that eBay achieves its business goals and enables economic opportunity for people worldwide.

In line with this philosophy, eBay's Government Relations team believes it is important to disclose our lobbying and political activity in a clear and transparent fashion. eBay complies with all applicable federal, state and local statutes. As required by the Lobbying Disclosure Act, eBay submits on a quarterly basis detailed federal lobbying activity and expense reports. Each registered lobbyist also files semi-annual reports on personal federal contributions. These reports are available on the Clerk of the U.S. Senate website. In states where eBay conducts lobbying activities, eBay also files registrations and reports as required by state law.

The mission of the eBay Political Action Committee (eBay Inc. Committee for Responsible Internet Commerce) is as follows:

The eBay PAC in all of its activities, contributions, and support of civil government, exists to support the eBay community and eBay sellers through candidates and groups who support empowerment of online small business. The eBay PAC supports justice, integrity, and diversity in Government. The PAC board, directors, and members shall weigh these standards in deciding candidates to support.

Please click on one of the following links to find detailed information regarding the Company's political contributions, trade associations and expenditures. If you have further questions, please contact us.

eBay actively participates in the political landscape to safeguard the company's future, including the interests of its community of users, shareholders and employees. This involvement includes memberships in various industry groups and trade associations.

Contributions to U.S. Federal Candidates and Committees

Contributions to U.S. State Candidates and Committees

Trade Association Memberships and Dues

Political Organization ("527s") Memberships and Dues

eBay's Engagement with Industry Organizations

eBay actively participates in the political landscape to safeguard the company's future, including the interests of its community of users, shareholders, and employees. This involvement includes memberships in various industry groups and trade associations.

These memberships span a wide range of policy issues critical to eBay, with a focus on areas such as e-commerce, tax, trade, small business, among others.

While trade associations represent a collective voice on numerous matters relevant to eBay, they also contribute to:

  • Robust financial performance;
  • Increased shareholder value over time; and
  • Employee welfare in line with eBay's core principles.

eBay recognizes that it may not align with every stance taken by these associations or their members. The company's Government Relations team regularly assesses association memberships based on their alignment with eBay's key policy interests and their effectiveness in addressing these issues. eBay aims to take on leadership roles within these bodies, participating in boards or important committees, and engaging in direct advocacy efforts to support the associations' initiatives.

The consensus-driven nature of trade associations means that eBay's perspective is one among many. When differing viewpoints arise, eBay utilizes various strategies to ensure its positions are considered, believing that active participation, especially in leadership roles, enhances the impact of its views.

Membership evaluations consider several factors, including:

  • Achievement of industry goals and the effectiveness of these endeavors;
  • Resource management and prioritization of industry concerns;
  • Representation and communication strategies regarding the industry;
  • Insight into current and future industry trends;
  • Timely and insightful reporting;
  • Responsiveness to eBay and other members;
  • Accurate issue forecasting for the industry;
  • Quality of work and meeting member expectations; and
  • Positive working relationships in line with eBay's objectives.

eBay's Board of Directors, through the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, oversees the company's political engagements and contributions to politically active trade associations, ensuring they align with eBay's advocacy efforts. Management monitors the political activities of key trade associations for appropriateness and effectiveness.

Membership in these associations involves regular dues, and eBay discloses associations receiving significant annual payments.

eBay leverages its influence within trade associations on critical issues, including climate, diversity, equity, and inclusion. For instance, eBay's leadership has publicly denounced racism and unequal treatment, and has collaborated with trade associations on social justice initiatives. eBay also partners with several organizations to advocate for climate action and advance sustainable business practices, including Ceres and its Business for Innovative Climate and Energy Policy (BICEP) coalition.