Consumer association Codacons and the consumer rights group Oasis have lodged a formal complaint with the Rome public prosecutor, the Italian cyber police and the communications regulator Agcom, alleging that secondary ticketing websites impose fines of up to €10,000 per ticket.
Details of the complaint
The complaint asserts that several secondary‑ticket platforms charge excessive penalties to buyers who attempt to resell or cancel tickets, violating Italian consumer protection law. Codacons and Oasis claim the fines are disproportionate and lack transparent justification.
Background and stakeholders
Secondary ticketing sites have grown in popularity, offering users the ability to buy and sell event tickets outside official channels. Critics argue that the model can lead to price inflation and opaque fee structures. The Italian Ministry of Economic Development has previously warned about unfair practices in the sector. The parties named in the complaint include major online resale platforms operating in Italy.
Potential impact and next steps
If authorities find the alleged fines unlawful, the platforms could be ordered to revise their terms and refund affected consumers. The investigation may also prompt broader regulatory scrutiny of the secondary ticket market across the European Union. Watch for statements from the prosecutor’s office and Agcom in the coming weeks as they assess the merits of the case.