A bill for an act relating to the use or creation of bots to purchase event tickets on the internet, and providing civil penalties.(See SF 2322.)
Under SF2269, individuals are explicitly forbidden from using bots to purchase more than eight tickets or the posted limit, whichever is lower, during any single internet ticket sale. Additionally, the bill prohibits the circumvention of electronic systems that are designed to manage and control ticket sales, including queue systems and presale codes. This is intended to level the playing field for average consumers who may struggle to secure tickets against automated purchases that can quickly deplete available inventory.
Senate File 2269 (SF2269) addresses the increasing concern over the use of automated software programs, commonly known as bots, to purchase event tickets on the internet. The legislation aims to regulate and restrict the use of bots for acquiring tickets to concerts, sporting events, and similar public activities that require a paid admission. The bill defines key terms such as 'bot,' 'event,' and 'ticket' and outlines the prohibited uses of such programs in regards to ticket purchasing.
The enforcement of the bill assigns significant powers to the Attorney General, who can initiate civil actions against violators. The penalties outlined include fines of up to ten thousand dollars for each violation, escalating to one hundred thousand dollars for violations of court injunctions. This aspect of the bill may elicit concerns regarding the extent of enforcement authority and the potential for overreach. Critics may argue that strict enforcement mechanisms could inadvertently affect legitimate ticket sales practices or lead to unintended consequences.
Overall, SF2269 represents an effort to tackle the negative impact bots have on fair access to event tickets. As technology evolves, this legislation may also lead to broader discussions regarding digital consumer rights and the protection against predatory purchasing practices in other sectors.