Democratic lawmakers have introduced a new bill that aims to put an end to bots.
U.S. Representative Paul Tonko, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Senator Ben Ray Luján, and Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced the Stopping Grinch Bots Act ahead of the holiday season.
“Allowing grinch bots to rig prices and squeeze consumers during the holiday season hurts American families, small business owners, product makers, and entrepreneurs.” Rep. Tonko said. “We will not allow this market manipulation to go unchecked.”
The bill will utilize the same methods and practices as the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016 introduced by former President Barack Obama and banned the use of bots through online ticketing websites. The Stopping Grinch Bots Act is more geared towards toys, but the bill will outlaw the use of bots on any online site, including sneaker retail stores.
The key points in the proposal are outlined below:
- Prohibits manipulative workarounds that allow bad actors to use bots to circumvent control measures designed to protect real consumers
- Makes it illegal to knowingly circumvent a security measure, access control system, or other technological control or measure on an Internet website or online service to maintain the integrity of posted online purchasing order rules for products or services, including toys, and would make it illegal to sell or offer to sell any product or service obtained in this manner
- Allows the Federal Trade Commission to treat these abusive workarounds as prohibited unfair or deceptive acts or practices and take action against the bad actors
The Stopping Grinch Bots Act is endorsed by Consumer Reports, the Consumer Federation of America, and the National Consumers League.
The use of bots and the inflation of sold-out sneakers have been the most significant pain points for sneakerheads in the digital age. The Stopping Grinch Bots Act could very well be a solution. Stay tuned to SoleSavy as we await to see how, and if, the bill develops.
