Thank States and Cities for Taking On Surveillance Pricing

Companies are increasingly using your personal data to decide what you, specifically, will pay. States and cities are starting to say no.

As Stateline reports, three states this year became the first to enact laws limiting surveillance pricing, the use of personal data such as browsing history or shopping habits to set individualized prices. Maryland moved first, barring food retailers and delivery services from using consumer-specific data to set prices. Connecticut followed with a ban covering retail sellers and third-party delivery services, and New Jersey joined them.

Seattle became the first city in the country to act. Its City Council voted 7-2 to bar large grocery retailers and delivery services from using personal data such as browsing history, location, employment status, or chatbot conversations to set individual prices. The ordinance also requires stores to disclose how discounts are determined, keep records showing compliance, and gives shoppers the right to sue. The union representing Seattle grocery workers calls it the strongest ban in the country.

The push is far bigger than those first laws. More than 40 bills are pending across at least 24 states, and Congress has passed nothing so far, which leaves states and cities carrying the load.

Add your name to thank the states and cities that have acted against surveillance pricing, and to call on the remaining states, cities, and Congress to follow their lead.

Every place that acts makes it harder for companies to treat shoppers as targets. Seattle and the states that moved first have shown it can be done.