To be clear, in this case I think it's quite unlikely, specifically, that Uber is looking for information with an intent to discredit, disparage, or defame Susan Fowler.
> They previously (and probably illegally) hired a private intelligence firm to dig up dirt on their opponents in a court battle
What was done there seems obviously inappropriate. It's unclear to what degree the intent was (I certainly understand wanting context). The situation was obviously very different.
> They did the same to intimidate journalists
Maybe. On the other hand: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nicole-campbell/what-was-said-... And even in the Ben Smith's account they didn't actually do it.
