A new bill introduced before Congress could automatically ban bots commonly used by resellers to purchase consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
This news comes from Chronicles of video games, reported that the bill, dubbed “The Grinch Bots Stop Act,” was introduced by Representative Paul Tonko, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Majority Leader Senator Charles Schumer, and Senator Ben Ray Lujan. In a statement about the recently introduced bill, Tonko said that “Grinch bots” are forcing Americans to pay exorbitant prices for gifts this holiday season.
Second only to sneakers, a market that has been heavily influenced by bots for years, consoles may be what bots are most targeting this season. With the release of PS5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles still fresh, owning one of these new generation consoles at MSRP is more of a challenge than ever. That’s because the second these consoles come online, shoppers will have to beat automated bots that place the dashboard in someone’s cart and checkout.
Defeating bots is not easy, and while some customers have found success, the amount of time people have to spend defending a control panel at MSRP can be ridiculous. Bots are the main issue behind the struggle and if this new bill is passed, the use of bots on online retail sites will be banned.
“At a time when families can spend time with their loved ones, digital ‘Grinch bots’ are forcing Americans to scour the web in the hopes of finding one,” Tonko said. affordable gift or paying exorbitant prices for a toy. “These bots are not only squeezing consumers, but also causing problems for small businesses, local retailers and other businesses trying to make sure they have the best items in stock for customers. .”
“Our Grinch Bots Act works to level the playing field and prevent scalds from sucking up hard-working parents this holiday season. I call on my colleagues to join me in passing the legislation. this immediately to stop these Grinch bots from stealing vacations.”
Schumer said the average holiday shopper can’t compete with the speed of bots, which anyone trying to buy a new-gen console at a late hour can recognize, and that the bill will pay off. stop these “grinch bots” from stealing the holiday. .
Sadly, it can sometimes take time to pass a bill in Congress, especially during the global COVID-19 pandemic, which most likely won’t pass before the holiday shopping season. the ceremony ends. It’s still a welcome bill though, as it looks like buying a new generation console at MSRP will continue to be a challenge into the new year.
The actual reserve of the new generation console remains low due to Chip shortage is happening also. Analyst It is expected that this shortfall will continue into 2022, too.
[Source: Video Games Chronicle]
Have you battled bots this holiday season? Would you welcome new legislation like this? Let us know in the comments below!
