What you search online could decide how much you pay. But a new push in Congress is taking aim at “surveillance pricing.”
Your online data could soon change how much you pay—even for everyday items. Companies are increasingly using surveillance pricing, a practice where businesses track things like your location, browsing history, and search habits, then use that data to charge you more.
Here’s how it works: If you recently searched for diapers, you might see a higher price than someone who didn’t. This personalized pricing model uses your digital footprint to determine what companies think you’re willing to pay.
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A new bill in Congress would ban this practice. Rep. Greg Casar argues that AI shouldn’t be used to set prices based on your personal information. The proposed legislation also aims to stop employers from using AI to set wages based on factors like your financial background.
Some states—like New York and California—are already cracking down on surveillance pricing. However, many companies defend the practice, saying personalized pricing helps them offer better deals to consumers.
This is a growing issue, and what you don’t know about your data could be costing you. As technology continues to evolve, the intersection of personal privacy and pricing transparency remains a critical concern for consumers and lawmakers alike.
