MAIN Event Ticketing Act
MAIN Event Ticketing Act
Plain Language Summary
# MAIN Event Ticketing Act Summary **What It Does:** This bill aims to crack down on ticket scalping by making it illegal to use automated software or "bots" to buy large quantities of event tickets faster than regular customers. It requires online ticket sellers (like Ticketmaster) to put security protections in place to prevent this kind of automated purchasing and to report any successful attempts to the Federal Trade Commission. Violators would face civil penalties. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily impacts ticket resale markets and consumers.
It targets scalpers and resellers who use software to buy up tickets in bulk, which often drives up prices for regular fans. Ticket-selling websites would need to implement security measures to comply with the law. **Current Status:** The bill (S 196) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
CRS Official Summary
Mitigating Automated Internet Networks for Event Ticketing Act or the MAIN Event Ticketing ActThis bill expands measures to protect the security and integrity of online ticket sales.Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of applications that perform automated tasks to purchase event tickets from online ticket sellers in circumvention of the seller's posted ticket purchasing order rules. This includes using software applications that circumvent access control systems or security measures.In addition, online ticket sellers must establish, implement, and maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the seller's website or service. Further, online ticket sellers must report known incidents of circumvention to the Federal Trade Commission and take reasonable steps to address any such incidents.The bill establishes civil penalties for violations of the provisions of this bill (and related prohibitions under current law) and authorizes the commission to bring civil actions for such violations.Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies must coordinate as appropriate with the commission to share information about known instances of cyberattacks against the websites or online services used by ticket sellers.The commission must report to Congress on the status of enforcement actions taken under this bill.
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 144.