New US Congress Bill Could Ban Bots Used To Purchase Consoles

New legislation could ban resellers from using bots to sell consoles, such as the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, automatically. 

It is a good news story. Video Games Chronicle, which reports that the bill, dubbed the “Stopping Grinch Bots Act,” was introduced by Representative Paul Tonko, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Senator Majority Leader Charles Schumer, and Senator Ben Ray Luján. Tonko made a statement regarding the newly-introduced bill and said “Grinchbots” have forced Americans to buy extravagant gifts this holiday season. 

Consoles rank second only to shoes, which has been heavily affected by bots over the years. This season, they are most likely targeting consoles. It’s becoming more difficult than ever to get one of these consoles for MSRP, with the PS5 or Xbox Series X/S still being released. That’s because the second these consoles go live, would-be buyers must beat out bots that automatically place the consoles in someone’s cart and check out. 

While some customers are successful, it’s difficult to defeat bots. The lengths required by people to get a console for MSRP is often absurd. This is because bots are at the root of the problem. The new bill would ban the use and promotion of bots online. 

Tonko explained that “at a moment when families should have the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, digital grinch bots are forcing Americans search online in hopes of finding affordable gifts or exorbitantly high prices for one toy.” These bots are not only a nuisance to consumers but also a challenge for local businesses and entrepreneurs who want to make sure they stock the most desirable items for their customers. 

Our Grinch Bots Act is designed to make the holiday season fair and stop scalpers taking advantage of hardworking parents. My colleagues should join me in passing the legislation to prevent these Grinchbots from stealing our holidays.

Schumer stated that the average holiday shopper can’t match the speed of bots. This is something any person who has tried to purchase a new-generation console in recent times will be aware of. The bill was intended to stop these “Grinchbots” from taking over the holidays.  

Unfortunately, due to the amount of time required for a bill to be passed by Congress during times like the COVID-19 pandemic in the world, it’s unlikely that the bill will pass before Christmas shopping season. However, it’s still a welcome bill despite that, as it seems that buying a new-gen console at MSRP will continue to remain a challenge in the new year.  

This is not surprising given that new-generation console stock remains low as a result of a continuing chip shortage. The shortage of new-generation consoles is predicted to last into 2022 by analysts. 

[Source: Video Games Chronicle]

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