For those of us who love collecting Pokémon merchandise or attending popular concerts, the joy of securing a sought-after item or ticket has become a rare experience. Tickets and collectibles are rapidly snatched up by bots, often leaving real fans and everyday consumers out in the cold. This issue hits home for me each time I attempt to make a purchase on platforms like Pokémon Center, only to find everything sold out within seconds, not due to real demand but due to technological manipulation.

This problem is not just about toys and tickets, but it speaks to a growing issue that impacts the fairness and integrity of online commerce. The prevalence of botting is exacerbated by evolving AI technologies, which threatens to stretch beyond concerts and collectibles. Imagine a future where these technologies are used to manipulate the purchase of essential goods like groceries, creating artificial scarcity and chaos for those who cannot outpace or outbid bots. This is a reality we must change, and we can start by requiring real identification for online purchases.

By implementing a system that links credit cards to a confirmed identity, we can significantly reduce the opportunity for bots to exploit purchasing systems. Such an ID verification would not only thwart botting but also enhance security against credit card theft, protecting both consumers and retailers alike.

Let's advocate for the integration of a robust ID verification system that works across all credit card-based checkout services. Together, we can ensure fairness, security, and the accessibility of goods and services. Join me in calling on e-commerce platforms, financial institutions, and legislators to take decisive action in making real ID verification for purchases a standard practice.

Please sign this petition to help usher in a more equitable marketplace for everyone. Your support is crucial in ensuring that the items you love are accessible and fairly distributed.