Ebay users threaten boycott over feedback row

Users of eBay have threatened to boycott the online auction site after it announced it was banning customers from leaving negative feedback.

In one of the biggest changes in the site's 13-year-history, eBay said it would no longer allow sellers to leave "negative" or "neutral" comments about buyers.

The feedback system is the bedrock of the site as it enables customers to warn fellow eBay users about unscrupulous practices and poor customer service.

But eBay believes that dissatisfied buyers are becoming reluctant to leave negative feedback in case sellers retaliated by posting criticisms on their accounts.

It said the changes, which come into force in May, would encourage buyers to be more open and honest about their experience on the site.