The Coldplay concert in Navi Mumbai has become a hot topic not just for fans but also for authorities, as allegations of ticket black marketing have raised significant concerns. To combat ticket scalping and ensure fairness in ticket distribution, the Maharashtra Cyber Department has announced a series of stringent measures aimed at safeguarding event organizers and genuine fans. These measures are set to take effect for all major events starting December 15, with a focus on transparency and security.
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Name-Based Tickets and QR Codes: A New Era of Ticketing
In a major policy shift, all tickets for high-demand concerts and events will now be issued with the attendee’s name, which must match a government-issued ID presented at the venue. The attendee’s name will also be encoded into a QR code on the ticket, adding an extra layer of security.
While these measures aim to address the growing issue of ticket resales at inflated prices, a one-time exception has been granted for the Maroon 5 concert scheduled for December 3. Authorities cited insufficient preparation time for ticketing platforms as the reason for allowing generic tickets for this event.
Framework for Fair and Transparent Ticket Sales
The Maharashtra Cyber Department has issued detailed instructions to online ticketing platforms such as BookMyShow, Paytm Insider, and Zomato Live to ensure fair and secure ticket sales. The key elements of the framework include:
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- AI-Powered Security Systems
Online platforms are required to deploy artificial intelligence tools to detect and filter out bot traffic that can interfere with legitimate users trying to purchase tickets. - Waitlist System
To maintain order and prevent overload, platforms must implement a waitlist system, ensuring that only one user is served at a time during high-demand ticket sales. - Pattern Monitoring
Platforms must track suspicious activities, such as repeated ticket purchases using the same email, phone number, or payment method. Such patterns will be flagged and reported to law enforcement. - Social Media Surveillance
Authorities will monitor social media and forums for instances of ticket resales at inflated prices, ensuring swift action is taken against scalpers. - Dynamic QR Codes and Tamper-Proof Bands
Each ticket will feature a dynamic QR code that updates in real-time to prevent forgery. Concertgoers will also be issued tamper-proof wristbands at the venue for added security.
On-Ground Measures to Deter Scalping
To ensure compliance with these new measures, authorities plan to deploy undercover agents around concert venues. These agents will work to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to sell tickets at unauthorized prices. Random ID checks and OTP verifications will also be conducted to confirm the identity of ticket holders, leaving no room for fraud.
Section 168 of BNSS: Legal Backing for Action
The Maharashtra Cyber Department’s actions are supported by Section 168 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which empowers police to prevent cognizable offenses. Using this authority, notices have been issued to all major digital ticketing platforms, instructing them to comply with the new protocols.
The Broader Implications
The measures introduced by the Maharashtra Cyber Department represent a significant step forward in tackling the persistent issue of ticket scalping, which has plagued high-demand events worldwide. By integrating technology such as AI and dynamic QR codes with legal enforcement and on-ground surveillance, the initiative sets a precedent for how ticketing systems can be secured.
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Fans and organizers alike stand to benefit from these changes, as they promise a more transparent, fair, and enjoyable experience for all parties involved. With major events like Coldplay’s and Maroon 5’s concerts drawing massive crowds, these protocols aim to ensure that tickets reach genuine fans rather than being hoarded by scalpers.
A Model for the Future
The Maharashtra Cyber Department’s new framework could serve as a model for other states and countries grappling with ticket scalping issues. By combining technology with proactive enforcement, these measures show a clear path forward in the fight against unfair practices in event ticketing.
As these changes roll out, all eyes will be on the upcoming Coldplay concert to see how effectively these measures curb scalping and ensure a better experience for fans. One thing is clear—Maharashtra is setting the stage for a new era in event security and transparency.
