TicketMaster of Disguise: Justice Department Sues Live Nation over Hidden Fees and Anti-Competitive Practices

Last week, the United States Department of Justice filed an antitrust suit against Live Nation Entertainment and its subsidiary Ticketmaster, for anti-competitive activity in the live entertainment industry. Ticketmaster, often-reviled for its hidden fees and ticket scarcity, also exerts influence over performers, venues, and others in the live entertainment space.

While the antitrust complaint alleges that Live Nation relies on unlawful conduct to maintain monopolistic control over the industry, at the cost of consumers and artists alike, it is yet to be seen whether the Attorney General can make such a showing.

But that’s not all. Just days after initiation of the lawsuit in the Southern District of New York, Live Nation made a regulatory filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission confirming a significant data breach of sensitive consumer information entered on Ticketmaster.

Ticketmaster users are cautioned to remain vigilant with their sensitive information, monitor credit card activity, and avoid any phishing attempts in the aftermath of the data breach, which Live Nation assures is unlikely to make a material impact on its own operations.