The Latest Corporate Trick—Surveillance Pricing
Most people assume the price they see online is the same price everyone else sees. But that’s not true anymore. Companies are increasingly using something called “surveillance pricing,” where they collect data about us—what we search for, where we live, what device we use, and how we shop—then use that information to decide how much to charge us personally.
Two people can look at the exact same airline ticket or hotel room and get different prices because an algorithm thinks one of them will pay more. Pricing should be based on the product, not on how much a corporation thinks it can squeeze out of somebody. That’s why I was glad to see Maryland pass a law against surveillance pricing, and other states starting to take action against this shady practice.
Until laws are passed, there are actions we can take to protect ourselves. Reject non-essential cookies. Use privacy settings to opt out of personal data collection and targeted advertising whenever possible. Clear cookies, use private browsing when shopping online, and compare prices across browsers or devices. And most importantly, fight back by contacting your state representative and pushing them to take immediate action against surveillance pricing.
Take a look at this informative clip from a Houston news station.
Slipstream
This is absolutely criminal. Definitely should be outlawed ASAP. Looks like California has a bill in process. But as you suggested, I'm going to get in touch with my CA rep. Thanks for the heads up on this.
Homeless Valley
This should be illegal, like isn't this selective price gouging? I mean there are already laws against price gouging, right? It's insidious and people should know about this and your post is very informative by showing people how to avoid being a victim of this new trick.
Well Street
This has been practiced in the "real world" for a long time. I have clients who live in affluent neighborhoods, and they're convinced they've received exorbitant service quotes based solely on their zip code.
It's not surprising that this criminality is happening online, too.
Wilsons Grave
The world is full of parasitic money grubbers. But instead of giving them the boot, we put them on a pedestal and feed them more and more. That's our bad.