Other LanguagesUPDATE: Coverage from The Seattle Times on the new law's implementation.
OLYMPIA — Today, Governor Jay Inslee signed Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s proposal to ban “ticket bot” software into law.
Ticket bots — short for robots — are computer programs deployed by scalpers to buy large quantities of tickets online to popular concerts and sporting events. Bots are often used to target the most desirable seats.
The legislation bans ticket bot use and makes it a violation of the state Consumer Protection Act to sell software to circumvent, interfere with or evade any security measure or access-control system on a ticket seller’s website.
“Consumers deserve a fair deal, and today we’re taking an important step toward ensuring that they get it,” Ferguson said. “Outlawing ticket bots will keep more of fans’ hard-earned money in their pockets, instead of fatt
ening the wallets of scalpers trying to game the system.”
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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.
Contact:
Peter Lavallee, Communications Director, (360) 586-0725; PeterL@atg.wa.gov