Congress Proposes New Rules Requiring Ticket Sites to Block Bots and Report Cyberattacks
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Small businesses that sell event tickets online — like local venues, theaters, and independent promoters — would need to invest in security systems to enforce ticket purchasing limits and report any bot circumvention to the FTC within 30 days. While this creates new compliance costs and administrative burdens, it also levels the playing field by cracking down on large-scale bot operators who undermine fair ticket sales.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 144.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-57.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Introduced by Rep. Troy Carter and others, the bill would make it harder for bots to buy tickets for major events. It mandates that online ticket sellers report successful bot attacks to the FTC within 30 days and maintain security systems to enforce ticket limits.
Rep. Diana Harshbarger introduced the House companion to the MAIN Event Ticketing Act. The bill builds on the 2016 BOTS Act by requiring ticket sellers to notify the FTC of bot attacks and establishing data security requirements to protect fans from price gouging.
Senator Marsha Blackburn highlighted the MAIN Event Ticketing Act as a key tool to give the FTC more power against bad actors. The bill mandates reports from ticket sellers about successful bot attacks and requires the FTC to share consumer complaints with state attorneys general.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
MAIN Event Ticketing Act
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