A level playing field?
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/12/congress-passes-bots-act-to-b...
Using software bots to buy concert tickets will soon be illegal, thanks to a bill passed by Congress yesterday.
The Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act makes it illegal to bypass any computer security system designed to limit ticket sales to concerts, Broadway musicals, and other public events with a capacity of more than 200 persons. Violations will be treated as "unfair or deceptive acts" and can be prosecuted by the Federal Trade Commission or the states.
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), who sponsored the bill, told The Associated Press that he intends to "level the playing field" for people buying tickets.
"The need to end this growing practice is reflected in the bill's widespread support," Moran said.
The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent last week, and the House of Representatives voted yesterday to pass it as well. It now proceeds to President Barack Obama for his signature.
Computer programs that automatically buy tickets have been a frustration for the concert industry and fans for a few years now. The issue had wide exposure after a 2013 New York Times story on the issue.
Earlier this year, the office of New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman completed an investigation into bots. The New York AG's ticket sales report (PDF) found that the tens of thousands of tickets snatched up by bots were marked up by an average of 49 percent.
"I want the thousands of tickets for shows, concerts, and sporting events that are now purchased by bots and resold at higher prices to go into the general market so that you have a chance to get them," wrote Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the hit musical Hamilton, in a New York Times op-ed in June. "You shouldn’t have to fight robots just to see something you love."
The Senate took up the matter a few months ago, holding a September hearing at which Jeffrey Seller, the producer of Hamilton, testified. Seller told legislators that bots quickly buy up tickets, which are then resold on platforms like StubHub and TicketsNow for big markups.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Thumbkinetic (Bluestnote)
on Thursday, December 8, 2016 – 07:48 pm
Sounds like StubHub better
Sounds like StubHub better step up its campaign contributions.
Cynical? Moi?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: 415-692-1053 Zippy
on Thursday, December 8, 2016 – 07:50 pm
Yay! *toke*
Yay!
*toke*
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: smokestack lightning
on Thursday, December 8, 2016 – 07:52 pm
it's about time
it's about time
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Hitchhiker awaiting "true call" Knotesau
on Thursday, December 8, 2016 – 07:53 pm
I can't afford the tickets
I can't afford the tickets that bots buy.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: DaBreeze Mosthigh
on Thursday, December 8, 2016 – 08:19 pm
Might help, but those
Might help, but those determined to use bots or whatever hacker trick, will continue to do so.
Less resale from the public might also encourage bands/managers/promoters to dump even more premium seats at inflated prices on Stubhub, etc. than before.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: CT Equinoxmagick
on Thursday, December 8, 2016 – 08:33 pm
When I was in Seattle for
When I was in Seattle for thanksgiving, there was a segment on the news about bot buying of tickets already being illegal in Washington state, but that the companies using the bots were just doing it anyway, because it's almost impossible to bust them.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Thumbkinetic (Bluestnote)
on Thursday, December 8, 2016 – 09:14 pm
Execs of those companies
Execs of those companies should be referred to the Star Chamber.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ausonius Thom2
on Friday, December 9, 2016 – 07:47 am
It can't be true. The bill
It can't be true. The bill was sponsored by a Republican and we all know that they are evil and never do any good whatsoever. Must be "fake news".
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: uncmozo Jerry H
on Friday, December 9, 2016 – 08:00 am
Chuck Schumer is a Republican
Chuck Schumer is a Republican?