S.196 - Mitigating Automated Internet Networks for Event Ticketing Act; MAIN Event Ticketing Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The MAIN Event Ticketing Act (S.196) aims to amend the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016 to further protect consumers from automated bots used to purchase event tickets online. The bill requires ticket issuers to implement and enforce site policies and security safeguards to prevent circumvention of ticket purchasing limits. It also mandates reporting of circumvention incidents to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and coordination with law enforcement agencies.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is increased consumer protection in the online ticket marketplace. It will likely reduce the ability of scalpers using bots to acquire large numbers of tickets, making tickets more accessible to the general public at face value. The FTC will also have increased oversight and enforcement capabilities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Fairness: Reduces the advantage of scalpers using bots, creating a fairer market for consumers.
- Greater Accessibility: Makes tickets more accessible to average consumers who are not using sophisticated technology.
- Enhanced Security: Requires ticket issuers to improve website security, protecting consumer data.
- Consumer Redress: Establishes a consumer complaint website at the FTC, providing a channel for reporting violations.
- Stronger Enforcement: Increases penalties for violations and provides the FTC with greater enforcement authority.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Increased Ticket Prices: Ticket issuers may pass the cost of implementing new security measures onto consumers through higher ticket prices.
- Complexity of Enforcement: Identifying and prosecuting bot users can be technically challenging and resource-intensive.
- Possible Circumvention: Determined scalpers may find new ways to circumvent security measures, rendering some safeguards ineffective.
- Reporting Burden: Ticket issuers may face an increased administrative burden in reporting circumvention incidents.
- Limited Scope: The act primarily focuses on bots and may not address other issues in the ticket market, such as service fees.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. Online ticket sales fall under this purview as they often involve transactions across state lines. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).