France to eBay: j'accuse!

French auction regulatory agency Council of Sales pressed charges against eBay last week, questioning its consumer protection procedures. The Council is requesting that eBay's French site obtain a special permit from authorities, as is required by France's auction houses. In a statement, eBay's French branch, eBay.fr, said the legal action was “totally unjust.” It claims it is an intermediary, not a traditional auction house, as consumers themselves deliver goods and negotiate delivery and payment.