S.Amdt. 4168

SA 4168, also known as the Mitigating Automated Internet Networks for Event Ticketing Act or the MAIN Event Ticketing Act, aims to strengthen the Better Online Ticket Sales Act of 2016.

The amendment proposes the following changes and additions:

• Prohibitions: It makes it illegal to use or cause the use of a software application that performs automated tasks to buy event tickets by bypassing security measures or access controls used by an online ticket issuer to enforce purchasing rules.

• Requirements for Ticket Issuers: Online ticket issuers must:

  • Create and maintain security measures and access controls to enforce ticket purchase limits and order rules.
  • Regularly update these systems to address technology changes and security threats.
  • Report any known incidents of circumvention to the Commission within 30 days of discovery.
  • Take reasonable steps to fix known or foreseeable risks regarding circumvention.

• Commission and Law Enforcement Roles:

  • The Commission will provide guidance to ticket issuers on compliance and share reports and consumer complaints with State attorneys general.
  • The FBI, the Attorney General, and state or local law enforcement will coordinate with the Commission to share information regarding cyberattacks on ticket issuer security systems.

• Reporting and Accountability: The Commission must report to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce regarding enforcement actions and any limitations in pursuing circumvention incidents.

• New Definitions: The amendment defines circumvention as avoiding, bypassing, or impairing security measures, and defines an online ticket issuer as one that operates a website or online service to sell event tickets to the general public.