Policy overview
eBay does not permit the listing of any lockpicking or locksmithing device. eBay users are cautioned that under Malaysian law, any person found armed with any article or instrument for use in the course of or in connection with any housebreaking between hours of sunset and sunrise is guilty of an offence which is punishable by imprisonment. Since lockpicking devices would fall under this category, these are prohibited from being listed on eBay.
Some examples
- Locksmithing Devices: lock picks, lockpicking sets, lockpicking cards, tension bars, lockpicking guns, autolock bypass keys ("jigglers"), try-out keys, "slim-jims", tubular lock picks, digital decoders and code grabbing devices.
- Key Cutters: Devices designed for making an impression of a key or similar security device to duplicate such a key or device.
Additional information
The Minor Offences Act 1955 makes it an offence to be found “armed with any article or instrument for use in the course of or in connection with any housebreaking” between hours of sunset and sunrise.
Why does eBay have this policy?
The sale of lockpicking devices is highly regulated within Malaysia. In addition, federal law prohibits interstate mailing of locksmithing devices, violation of which is a misdemeanor. Locksmithing devices can also only be sold to authorised recipients. Since the majority of merchandise sold on eBay is delivered by mail and since it is difficult to verify whether the winning bidder is authorised, the sale of locksmithing devices is not allowed on eBay.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.