Stopping Grinch Bots Act of 2025

Key Points

• Would make it illegal to bypass an online store’s security tools that enforce purchase limits or manage inventory.
• Targets “bots” and similar tools used to buy up high-demand items fast and resell them, especially when stores post buying limits.
• Also bans selling or offering to sell items obtained by bypassing those controls if the seller took part in it, could control it, or should have known.
• Allows exceptions for security research and investigations meant to find weaknesses or help enforce the law.
• Gives the Federal Trade Commission the main job of enforcing the rule, and lets state attorneys general sue for court orders, refunds, or other compensation.