The Stopping Grinch Bots Act targets the use of automated bots to bypass purchase limits and security systems on retail websites. The bill makes it illegal for anyone to circumvent technological controls that online retailers use to manage inventory or enforce purchase limits, and it also prohibits selling products obtained through such circumvention if the seller knew or should have known about the violation. The Federal Trade Commission will enforce the law, treating violations as unfair or deceptive practices under existing consumer protection rules, while state attorneys general can also bring civil lawsuits on behalf of their residents to seek damages and court orders. The law includes exceptions for legitimate security research and activities related to investigating violations. The legislation does not specify funding amounts or implementation timelines beyond requiring state attorneys general to notify the FTC within 10 days before filing enforcement actions.
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