Scalpers and ticket brokers use automated software programs called bots to buy large quantities of concert, sports, and event tickets the moment they go on sale, leaving fans unable to get them at face value. The MAIN Event Ticketing Act would strengthen existing anti-bot law by explicitly banning apps that circumvent a ticket site's purchasing limits and security controls, and by requiring ticketing companies to put reasonable security measures in place to stop those bots. Ticket sellers would also have to report known bot attacks to the Federal Trade Commission within 30 days and take steps to fix the vulnerabilities that allowed them. Violations would carry penalties of at least $10,000 per day the violation continues, plus $1,000 per individual violation, with higher fines for intentional violations. A public website would be created so consumers can report ticketing fraud directly to the FTC.
Congressional 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.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-04-08
- Date Added
- 2026-04-10
- Source
- Congress.gov →
Like reading a bill in plain English?
We're building an app that does this for every bill in Congress and lets you tell your reps how you want them to vote. We're a small team getting ready to launch, and we're trying to show investors that real people want this. Be one of them. Help us get it built. Leave your email and we'll tell you the moment the app is ready.