eBay uses customer data for AI training

Ebay now uses your names, addresses and even ID data for AI training. The platform informed about this by email, but chose misleading formulations. A contradiction is still possible after the deadline – but only for future data.

eBay uses customer data for AI training

Since Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, an updated data protection declaration has been taking place on Ebay. The online marketplace now uses personal data of its users for training artificial intelligence. What many do not know: The platform had already informed about this in March – but with the misleading note “You don’t need to do anything else”.

This wording meant that many users did not recognize the scope of the change. In fact, the data collection includes numerous sensitive information: names, addresses, telephone numbers, birth data, payment information, transaction details and in some cases even ID data and selfies.

Data link with external sources

Particularly explosive: Ebay is not limited to the data that users leave directly on the platform. According to the new data protection declaration, information from external sources is also linked to the user profiles.

• Publicly available online data
• Information from business trips such as Schufa
• Data from connected social media accounts (with single sign-on)
• Information from other information brokers

This comprehensive data collection justifies Ebay with a “legitimate interest” to improve its services. The Consumer center, However, this sees this critically and has pointed out possible risks.

Risks for consumers

Consumer advocates warn of misinterpretations by AI systems. An example: If an insolvency of a person with the same name as an eBay user is mentioned on the Internet, the AI ​​could incorrectly assign this information to the user profile. In the worst case, account locks or other restrictions then threaten.

Automation with artificial intelligence could possibly occur more often. Consumer advice center in North Rhine-Westphalia

Contradicting also possible after the deadline

Although the official deadline for contradiction on April 21, users can continue to object to data use. This is possible via the website https://accountsettings.ebay.de/ai-preferences. However, the objection only applies to future data – information already used can no longer be brought back.

Legal evaluation is still pending

Ebay is not the first company that uses user data for AI training. Other tech giants such as Google, Microsoft and Meta also use similar practices. However, the legal basis for this is controversial. According to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), companies need either consent or a legitimate interest for the processing of personal data.

Ebay refers to the latter, but data protection experts doubt whether the comprehensive data collection and link is covered. The link with external data sources in particular could be problematic because it goes beyond the original purpose of data collection. Courts will probably have to clarify whether Ebay’s procedure is legally permissible. Until then, consumer advocates recommend using the right to object – even if the ideal period has already passed.