FTC Probes Major Brands Over Personalized Prices
The Federal Trade Commission wants to know if big companies use your personal data to change price tags.
Imagine two people buying the exact same plane ticket, but one person pays much more. Federal regulators want to inspect this practice. They suspect top corporations track your habits to charge you the highest possible price.
The Federal Trade Commission sent orders to nine large companies. The list includes Delta Air Lines and Uber. Regulators demand to see how these brands collect your private details. They want to know if stores use your browsing history or home address to alter price tags.
Officials call this practice surveillance pricing. Big brands argue that dynamic pricing reflects normal supply and demand. Regulators worry hidden computer tools quietly hike costs for vulnerable shoppers instead.
Stay sharp when you shop on the web. Compare prices in private browser windows before you buy. Checking costs on a second device helps you protect your family budget.
Source: Fox Business
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