FTC Investigates Secret Data Pricing at Big Companies
Federal officials want to know if big brands use your data to change the prices you pay online.
You might pay more than your neighbor for the same item. Your phone and location could set the price. Your search history might change it too. Federal regulators want to see if this practice happens behind closed doors.
The Federal Trade Commission ordered nine major firms to answer tough questions. The list includes brands like Walmart and Uber. It also includes Delta Air Lines. Officials call this surveillance pricing. Companies gather facts about your habits to guess the highest amount you will spend.
Regulators want to see the computer models behind these costs. They asked how credit scores and web history feed into daily prices. The agency plans to study how these tactics alter prices on your screen.
Watch your receipts closely when you shop online. Clear your browser cookies before you buy. You can also search for tickets in private mode. Smart shopping habits keep your money safe while officials seek answers.
Source: Fox Business
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