Behind the Bastards Part One: That Time eBay's Private Spies Went To War With Some Bloggers
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Sep 3, 2024 In this fascinating discussion, Jason Pargin, an author and former colleague of Robert Evans, uncovers an unbelievable story of eBay's corporate security going to war against innocent elderly bloggers. They delve into the absurd lengths eBay took to silence critics, exploring corporate espionage tactics that shockingly ignored societal norms. Pargin reflects on the evolution of online commerce and the toxic corporate culture that led to these extreme measures, emphasizing the chilling blend of paranoia and leadership failures within the tech giant.
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HB Gary's Petty Attacks
- HB Gary, a security firm, proposed petty attacks against Bank of America and the US Chamber of Commerce.
- Their plans included revealing a union organizer's family details and publishing someone's criminal record.
Black Cube's Failed Tactic
- Black Cube, another corporate spy firm, used fake identities to befriend and discredit Harvey Weinstein's accusers.
- This plan failed, highlighting the arrogance and incompetence of such firms.
Espionage Reality vs. Fiction
- Espionage, at any level, often involves dumb mistakes and accidental successes.
- Real-world espionage rarely resembles the glamorous portrayal in movies like James Bond.
