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eBay drops ValueClick for own affiliate network

eBay has reduced its reliance on online advertiser ValueClick by setting up its own affiliate network to encourage websites to drive traffic to its eBay and Half.com websites.

The online auctioneer said in a statement yesterday (March 17th) that both sites would no longer be running their affiliate programs through ValueClick's Commission Junction platform, which is one of the largest affiliate sites online.

Instead, eBay will be relying on its own newly created eBay Partner Network, which will launch on April 1st, though it will maintain some third-party affiliate network relationships.

ValueClick will have to pay $2.9 million to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for violation of federal law after making deceptive claims in e-mails and online ads through its subsidiary Hi-Speed Media, it was announced yesterday.

The online service has received the largest ever fine imposed for a violation of the 2003 federal CAN-SPAM Act, which bars deceptive practices in e-mail advertising.

It has been accused of sending spam e-mail that offered consumers free gifts to lure consumers to ValueClick's websites, alleged the FTC. ADNFCR-1536-ID-18514637-ADNFCR