Ticketmaster’s requirement that customers provide personal tax information like social security numbers when purchasing tickets has sparked anger and confusion. Many are wondering why a ticket sales company needs access to sensitive identification details generally associated with government and financial institutions.
What information is Ticketmaster requesting from customers?
Ticketmaster is asking customers to provide their full name, address, phone number, email address, and crucially – the last four digits of their social security number. They claim this is to verify identities and prevent ticket scalping and fraud. However, many argue that providing part of one’s SSN crosses a line and exposes customers to privacy and security risks.
Why is Ticketmaster requesting this information now?
Ticketmaster has ramped up identity verification measures in recent years to combat ticket brokers and bots that snatch up tickets and resell them at inflated prices. The company claims that the SSN requirement specifically helps thwart “ticket criminal rings trying to illegally gain control of tickets.”
The last four digits of one’s SSN is sensitive personal information typically only shared with trusted entities like government, healthcare providers, and financial institutions. So this new requirement is seen by many as invasive overreach by a ticket seller.
Does Ticketmaster really need my SSN?
Experts argue that a ticket sales platform has no imperative need for customers’ social security info. The last four SSN digits are still considered private personal data and their collection introduces security risks. Even though it’s just four numbers, fraudsters can potentially use them to steal identities, open fraudulent accounts, or gain access to existing accounts.
Ticketmaster already collects sufficient personal details on customers like name, address and phone number. Plus they could implement other effective fraud prevention measures like purchase limits, CAPTCHA tests, and payment locks. So privacy advocates claim Ticketmaster is unjustified in demanding tax identification numbers.
Is it risky to provide SSN digits to Ticketmaster?
Information security experts warn customers to be very cautious about providing any SSN information to online entities. Even just four digits can potentially help scammers piece together your full SSN or gain access to existing accounts.
Ticketmaster has suffered major breaches before that exposed customers’ personal data. Though they claim the limited SSN data will be protected and encrypted, experts argue any unnecessary sharing of such info introduces risk. Customers have little assurance the data will be secured and not potentially exposed in a future breach.
Is Ticketmaster’s SSN requirement even legal?
Some legal experts contend that Ticketmaster’s collection of social security digits may actually violate privacy laws. The Gramm–Leach–Bliley (GLB) Act restricts when private companies can gather citizens’ tax ID numbers. Ticket sales do not fall under GLB’s permitted uses, so Ticketmaster may be actively violating this law.
The company claims they are complying with all applicable regulations. But at the least, privacy advocates argue it is unethical and overreaching to force tax info disclosure simply to buy event tickets. Critics urge ticketing platforms to rely on less invasive personal data to verify identities.
Are customers boycotting Ticketmaster over this?
There has been substantial public backlash and calls for boycotts of Ticketmaster over the controversial SSN requirement. Customers are outraged that a private company is demanding sensitive identification generally reserved for the government.
Many feel this is an unnecessary invasion of privacy and poses security risks. Ticketmaster has received thousands of angry comments and complaints across social media from customers refusing to share their SSN digits or purchase tickets.
Affected customers argue there are plenty of other ticketing vendors, so Ticketmaster’s business may suffer as people reject the SSN policy and take their money elsewhere. Time will tell whether public pressure forces Ticketmaster to walk back or alter the requirement.
Key Boycott Reasons
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Privacy Violation | Customers should not have to provide personal SSN info simply to buy tickets |
| Data Security Fears | SSN digits could expose customers to fraud if compromised |
| Sets Dangerous Precedent | More companies may start demanding SSN data unnecessarily |
| Unethical Policy | Forcing disclosure of tax info to a private company feels wrong to many customers |
| Sufficient Alternatives Exist | Identification can be verified using less invasive personal data |
What do supporters argue?
Despite the backlash, Ticketmaster defends the SSN requirement as an important fraud prevention
measure. Some consumers also reluctantly support it if it helps reduce scalping and bots snatching up scarce tickets.
Ticketmaster claims they have carefully weighed privacy risks and will protect customers’ data. They view this as a policy specifically targeted at criminal resellers trying to illegally profit off high-demand events.
Some argue customers’ desire for fair access to tickets outweighs privacy concerns over just four SSN digits. Ticketmaster contends it is looking out for consumers frustrated by scalpers using bots and fake accounts.
Key Supporter Arguments
| Argument | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Targets Ticket Brokers | Policy meant to stop scalpers from using bots and fake accounts |
| Increases Ticket Access | Prevents resellers from snatching up tickets, increases supply for fans |
| Data Will be Secured | Ticketmaster claims SSN digits will be protected and encrypted |
| Small Privacy Compromise | Many feel giving just 4 numbers is acceptable to stop scalping |
| Industry-Wide Practice | Other major ticketing platforms like AXS also request SSN digits |
How is Ticketmaster responding?
Ticketmaster is defending the SSN requirement as a last resort measure to combat automated scalping bots and criminal ticket rings. They claim no other verification methods have proven as effective.
The company says they have implemented encryption, access controls, firewalls, and other data security controls to protect customers’ SSN digits. According to Ticketmaster, the data is not retained long term after the initial verification check.
In response to public criticism, Ticketmaster has emphasized that providing SSN digits is optional for now. Customers can still purchase tickets without SSN verification, though it will trigger additional screening procedures during order processing.
Ticketmaster has not indicated they have any plans to remove the SSN option altogether. The company maintains this is a powerful method to ensure fair ticket access while minimizing illegal scalping and bot traffic.
Ticketmaster’s Key Arguments
| Response | Details |
|---|---|
| SSN Deters Bots/Scams | No other check has proven as effective deterring criminal ticket scalpers |
| Data Will Be Secured | Encryption and access controls protect limited SSN data collected |
| Verification Still Optional | Customers can still purchase tickets without providing SSN |
| Increase Legitimate Fan Access | Policy ensures more regular customers and fewer scalpers can get tickets |
| Aligns with Industry Practices | Other major ticketing companies use similar identity checks including SSN |
What could happen next?
This public debate over Ticketmaster’s SSN requirement is likely to continue as customers, privacy groups, and lawmakers scrutinize the practice. Here are some possibilities around what could potentially unfold:
– Continued public pressure and boycotts lead Ticketmaster to eventually remove or modify the controversial SSN component of its identity verification policies.
– If enough customers reject the SSN policy and take their business elsewhere, it may start to negatively impact Ticketmaster’s sales. This financial incentive could force a change.
– Legal challenges arise arguing Ticketmaster’s tax information collection violates privacy laws, leading to court battles.
– Lawmakers propose regulations prohibiting ticketing companies from gathering customers’ SSN digits to purchase tickets.
– Ticketmaster maintains their SSN requirement is legal and crucial to prevent scalping. The company provides detailed data security information to reassure concerned customers.
– Other major ticketing vendors follow Ticketmaster’s lead and begin requesting SSN digits as well, arguing it deters bots and fraud. This normalization could mute some public criticism.
– Ticketmaster begins automatically closing accounts of customers who raise complaints or refuse to provide SSN information to purchase tickets.
The controversial SSN policy has clearly struck a nerve with many Ticketmaster customers concerned about privacy, ethics, and security. It remains to be seen whether the company will respond with changes or ride out the criticism. But the debate highlights the friction arising when private companies seek personal data generally obtained only by the government.
Conclusion
Ticketmaster requesting customers’ social security digits has prompted intense backlash and boycott calls from consumers concerned about privacy violations and data security risks. However, the company defends it as a necessary fraud prevention tactic targeting criminal ticket scalpers.
The debate illuminates broader tensions around private firms seeking sensitive identification data traditionally limited to government and financial realms. Ticketmaster maintains they are working to increase legitimate fan access to tickets with this measure. But privacy advocates argue it sets a troubling precedent necessitating pushback. This furor will likely pressure Ticketmaster to alter the policy or double down defending it as crucial protection. Either way, the SSN requirement has highlighted critical consumer data privacy issues as more commerce and activities move online.