dailyloe.com – US senators have sharply criticized Ticketmaster for reportedly raising certain fees after a federal rule required upfront price disclosure. This follows a Guardian report based on public records showing the company’s adjustments. The Federal Trade Commission mandated all-in pricing for concert tickets last May.
Ticketmaster eliminated its order processing fee to comply with the new FTC rule. However, internal documents indicate the company raised other fees to offset the lost revenue. Former regulators suggest these actions may violate the FTC’s ban on misleading fees.
Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal accused Ticketmaster of acting like it has a ‘get-out-of-jail-free card’. He urged the FTC to enforce consumer protection laws against the company. The FTC had previously sued Ticketmaster and parent Live Nation over hidden fees.
Ticketmaster has disputed the allegations in the ongoing legal case. The company states it has displayed full ticket prices upfront since May 2025. It also claims to provide clear explanations of all fees during the purchasing process.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between regulators and dominant ticketing platforms. Consumer advocates argue for greater transparency in live event ticket sales. The FTC’s enforcement actions will be closely watched by the industry.[]
Source: The Guardian
