New York City Council bans surveillance pricing based on personal data
Original title: NYC Council passes ban on 'surveillance pricing'
The city could fine up to $1,000 per violating transaction; Mayor Mamdani says he supports the ban.
The New York City Council passed a bill banning companies from setting different prices with algorithms or shoppers' personal data, online and in stores. Speaker Julie Menin called the practice predatory. The Council cited a Target case in which a television's app price differed by location. Uber and other firms have denied using surveillance pricing, and business groups warn the rule could limit discounts. Menin said discounts would not be affected. A related state law passed in Albany in June.
Unconfirmed: Companies named as facing scrutiny have largely denied using surveillance pricing, and the bill's effect on loyalty discounts is disputed.
- Fines could reach $1,000 for each transaction that breaks the ban.
- Cited Target prices were $499 inside a store and $599 in the parking lot.
- Uber, Lyft, Target, Instacart and airlines have faced scrutiny; many deny the practice.
- Uber says the rule could hurt small restaurants that discount via Uber Eats.
- Albany lawmakers approved a related online and in-store ban in June, with exceptions.
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- New York City Council
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From the original article
2 min read at gothamist.comThe City Council passed a bill Thursday that bans companies in New York City from using surveillance pricing, which charges different prices based on algorithms or shoppers’ personal data. Surveillance pricing means shoppers see a price based on their personal data like demographics, credit, browsing history or purchasing history.
By jonbaer · gothamist.com
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