SAN FRANCISCO: If no one comes to the rescue, an online army of “Grinch bots” may end up spoiling Christmas for many kids by using automated software to scoop up prized toys and other sought-after items for big profit.
The bots – yes, the same kinds of automated programs that spread political propaganda and manipulate opinion on social media – can use superfast technology to snatch up popular electronics, dolls, toys and sneakers when they are deeply discounted, and then resell them with a huge markup.
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