Live Nation under federal scrutiny for efforts to halt ticket bots
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The Federal Trade Commission is investigating whether Live Nation does enough to stop illegal bots from reselling tickets, Bloomberg News reports.
Why it matters: The new federal investigation intensifies scrutiny on the concert industry giant.
Between the lines: The regulation of live event ticketing is especially of interest in the international music hub of Nashville, where Live Nation has a heavy presence.
The big picture: State and federal officials from Tennessee have played a leading role in ticketing reforms.
- Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti opened his own investigation into Live Nation following public outcry in 2022 when many Taylor Swift fans were unable to buy tickets to her Nashville concerts.
- Skrmetti joined an ongoing DOJ antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, which is scheduled for trial next year.
Zoom in: U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn was integral in the passage of the original BOTS Act, which made the use of computer software to buy and resell tickets illegal. Blackburn introduced new legislation earlier this year to further crackdown on ticket bots.
What they're saying: In a statement to Axios, Blackburn said music fans have been "forced to battle bots and scammers while trying to purchase tickets.
- "I applaud the FTC for launching this investigation, and I urge Congress to pass my MAIN Event Ticketing Act to strengthen FTC enforcement, protect consumers, and help put a stop to this harmful practice once and for all," she said.
State Rep. Caleb Hemmer (D-Nashville), who cosponsored state legislation aimed at increasing transparency in ticketing, tells Axios he's glad to learn of the FTC probe.
- "There have only been two federal enforcement actions since the BOTS Act went into law in 2016, so it is past time for serious enforcement," Hemmer says.
Driving the news: The FTC investigation is in an advanced stage with a decision coming soon whether to pursue a case, Bloomberg reports.
- A Live Nation spokesperson told Reuters the company has not violated the BOTS Act and will defend itself against such claims. Ticketmaster blocks 200 million bots daily, the spokesperson said.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional information.