Legislation that would crack down on the use of bots by ticket scalpers has been passed by Congress.
The Bots (Better Online Ticket Sales) Act, which was passed by the Senate last week, would make using the software an “unfair and deceptive practice” under the Federal Trade Commission Act and allow the body to pursue those cases. The bill would also make it illegal to sell tickets obtained through bots.
The Bots Act must now be signed by President Barack Obama before he leaves office in January to become law.
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran, the sponsor of the bill, said the legislation will “level the playing field” for people buying tickets.
“The need to end this growing practice is reflected in the bill’s widespread support,” he said, according to the Associated Press.
Last week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a new law that toughens up penalties that can be used against those found to be using or profiting from the use of bots. Legislation designed to outlaw bots and bring greater order to secondary ticketing also made progress in Italy and the UK.
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