surveillance pricing
Coverage of surveillance pricing in the Nexus archive.
- Consumer Reports investigation finds Uber, Lyft prices can vary for same ride
Consumer Reports found Uber and Lyft charge different prices for the same ride to nearby users, with examples showing up to a $30 discrepancy. The investigation also raised concerns about fictitious discounts and fare-sharing practices, while companies denied pricing based on rider identity. States like Maryland and Connecticut have started restricting 'surveillance pricing' practices.
- House bills aiming to ban ‘surveillance pricing’ in Michigan advance to Senate
Two House bills in Michigan aim to ban 'surveillance pricing,' a practice where companies use consumer data to set different prices for the same product. The bills, which passed the House and advanced to the Senate, target e-commerce sellers using location and browsing history for pricing. Similar legislation was introduced in the Senate by Democratic lawmakers.
- House passes bill that would ban ride share ‘surveillance pricing based on personal data
Pennsylvania's House passed a bill to ban ride-share companies from using surveillance pricing based on personal data. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Andre Carroll, aims to prevent price discrimination by services like Uber and Lyft, and will now move to the Senate for consideration.
- Consumer Reports investigates how Uber, Lyft use AI to set what you pay
Consumer Reports found that Uber and Lyft use AI to set different prices for the same ride under identical conditions, with discrepancies up to $30. The investigation also revealed potential fictitious discounts and higher fare shares kept by the companies, which both firms dispute. Riders are advised to compare prices and scrutinize crossed-out 'discount' pricing.
- Washington Post faces class-action lawsuit alleging 'surveillance pricing' of subscribers
The Washington Post faces a class-action lawsuit alleging 'surveillance pricing' of subscribers, where personal data was allegedly used to charge longtime customers higher prices. The lawsuit claims the practice began in late 2024 and was disclosed in March 2026 under New York law. The Clarkson Law Firm seeks punitive and statutory damages, citing unfair and deceptive practices.
- Washington Post hit with class action over ‘surveillance pricing’ scheme
The Washington Post faces a class action lawsuit in D.C. Superior Court over its use of reader data to set subscription prices through 'surveillance pricing.' Plaintiffs allege The Post tracked subscribers' reading habits and demographic data since December 2024 without disclosure, only revealing the practice in March 2026 when required by New York law. Lead plaintiff Chelsea Blink claims she would have canceled her subscription had she known about the data tracking.
- NY lawmakers vote to ban ‘surveillance pricing,’ but digital price tags survive
New York lawmakers voted to ban 'surveillance pricing,' but digital price tags were not included in the restriction. The bill now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's approval.
- New York passes data center moratorium and consumer protections
New York State Senate and Assembly passed three bills regulating data centers, surveillance pricing, and digital stalking. Other environmental, housing, and entertainment measures were abandoned and await Governor Kathy Hochul's signature.
- New York passes data center moratorium and consumer protections as environmental, and housing proposals stall
The New York State Senate and Assembly passed three bills regulating data centers, surveillance pricing, and digital stalking, while abandoning other environmental, housing, and entertainment measures, which will now be signed by Governor Kathy Hochul.
- Colorado governor vetoes block on surveillance pricing as other states push for bans
Colorado's governor vetoed a bill that would have banned surveillance pricing, the strongest measure against algorithmic pricing. Consumer advocates criticized the decision, arguing it favors corporations over workers. Maryland had already passed a similar law in April, but Colorado's proposal was more comprehensive.
- Colorado governor vetoes block on surveillance pricing as other states push for bans
Colorado Governor Jared Polis vetoed a bill that would have banned surveillance pricing for wages and consumer goods, the strongest such measure in the nation. Consumer advocates criticized the decision, while Maryland previously approved a similar law for grocery stores.
- Colorado governor vetoes block on surveillance pricing as other states push for bans
Colorado's governor vetoed a bill that would have banned surveillance pricing for setting wages and consumer prices. Consumer advocates criticized the veto, and Maryland had previously passed a narrower law against surveillance pricing in grocery stores.
- JetBlue lawsuit raises airline pricing questions
A proposed class-action lawsuit alleges JetBlue tracked customer behavior during flight bookings to adjust prices without clear consent, using data like browsing activity and user characteristics. JetBlue denies the claims, stating fares depend on demand and seat availability, not personal data. The case highlights concerns about 'surveillance pricing' and AI-driven dynamic pricing in the airline industry.
- Maryland becomes first state to ban surveillance pricing in grocery stores
Maryland has become the first U.S. state to prohibit surveillance pricing in grocery stores, a practice that uses consumer data to set variable prices. The ban aims to prevent discriminatory pricing tactics based on shoppers' personal information.
- Maryland becomes first state to ban surveillance pricing in grocery stores
Maryland has become the first U.S. state to ban surveillance pricing in grocery stores, prohibiting grocers and third-party delivery services from using consumer data to set higher prices. Governor Wes Moore signed the law, which critics argue includes significant exceptions.
- Airline sued over 'surveillance pricing' claims as its accused of hiking fares based on YOUR data... and there could be a payout
An airline is facing a lawsuit for allegedly using 'surveillance pricing' by increasing fares based on customer data, with potential payouts for affected passengers. The case highlights concerns over data-driven pricing strategies and consumer rights in the travel industry.
- JetBlue sued over claims it uses customers’ personal data to set ticket prices
JetBlue faces a proposed class action lawsuit alleging it uses customers' personal data to dynamically set ticket prices through 'surveillance pricing.' The lawsuit follows a social media exchange where the airline suggested customers clear their browser cache or use incognito mode to view lower fares, raising concerns about data-driven fare adjustments.
- Surveillance Pricing: Exploiting Information Asymmetries
The article discusses 'surveillance pricing,' a practice where companies exploit information asymmetries by using data collected through digital surveillance to set prices. It critiques this as a form of consumer exploitation, linking it to broader issues in data privacy and market fairness.