Prohibiting Grinch Bots
March 11, 2021 01:06 PM to All House Members
Circulated By
Representative Steven Malagari
D House District 53
Memo
When a new product enters the marketplace, bad actors will use software known as “Grinch Bots” to automatically buy up products and resell them for higher than the list price. This frustrating hoarding process is bad for consumers and bad for business. Last fall, this occurred with popular items such as the PlayStation 5, making it extremely difficult for patient consumers to purchase the products they have been waiting for. The General Assembly needs to ensure Pennsylvania’s consumers have the right to a fair marketplace.
I will be introducing legislation that would prevent scalpers from using software to purchase items over the internet in bulk for the purpose of resale and not personal use. This legislation would make it unlawful to circumvent a security measure, access control system, or other technological control that enforces posted purchasing limits online. With this important legislation, we can ensure everyone has a fair shot when shopping online.
As representatives, it is our duty to stop predatory bots from trying to manipulate our economy. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.
I will be introducing legislation that would prevent scalpers from using software to purchase items over the internet in bulk for the purpose of resale and not personal use. This legislation would make it unlawful to circumvent a security measure, access control system, or other technological control that enforces posted purchasing limits online. With this important legislation, we can ensure everyone has a fair shot when shopping online.
As representatives, it is our duty to stop predatory bots from trying to manipulate our economy. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.
Legislation
Document - Introduced as HB 1647
Prohibiting Grinch Bots
March 11, 2021 01:06 PM to All House Members
Circulated By
MALAGARI
Memo
When a new product enters the marketplace, bad actors will use software known as “Grinch Bots” to automatically buy up products and resell them for higher than the list price. This frustrating hoarding process is bad for consumers and bad for business. Last fall, this occurred with popular items such as the PlayStation 5, making it extremely difficult for patient consumers to purchase the products they have been waiting for. The General Assembly needs to ensure Pennsylvania’s consumers have the right to a fair marketplace.
I will be introducing legislation that would prevent scalpers from using software to purchase items over the internet in bulk for the purpose of resale and not personal use. This legislation would make it unlawful to circumvent a security measure, access control system, or other technological control that enforces posted purchasing limits online. With this important legislation, we can ensure everyone has a fair shot when shopping online.
As representatives, it is our duty to stop predatory bots from trying to manipulate our economy. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.
I will be introducing legislation that would prevent scalpers from using software to purchase items over the internet in bulk for the purpose of resale and not personal use. This legislation would make it unlawful to circumvent a security measure, access control system, or other technological control that enforces posted purchasing limits online. With this important legislation, we can ensure everyone has a fair shot when shopping online.
As representatives, it is our duty to stop predatory bots from trying to manipulate our economy. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation.
Document
Introduced as HB 1647
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