How Surveillance Pricing Could Raise—or Lower—Your Grocery Costs
Summary
Lawmakers are working to stop "surveillance pricing" in grocery stores, a practice where stores use personal data to set prices or offers for each shopper. Maryland has banned some forms of this pricing, and many Americans support banning it because they worry it could raise grocery costs.Key Facts
- Surveillance pricing uses data like shopping history, location, and loyalty program activity to set prices or discounts for individual shoppers.
- Maryland is the first state to ban certain types of surveillance pricing in grocery stores.
- About 67% of Americans want to ban electronic shelf labels and surveillance pricing in groceries.
- 68% of Americans think surveillance pricing could increase the cost of groceries.
- Supporters say the system can help stores react faster to demand and reduce food waste by adjusting prices quickly.
- Critics say it could mean some customers pay more than others for the same items, especially loyal shoppers or during busy times.
- People who don’t use apps or loyalty programs might get fewer discounts than those who share their data.
- The Federal Trade Commission has said companies can use shopping and personal data to create personalized pricing and promotions.
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