NDP Urges Ban On Algorithmic Pricing Dubbed Creepy
New Democratic Party Leader Avi Lewis has called on the federal government to ban algorithmic pricing, a practice where retailers use AI and data to set different prices for consumers. Lewis described this “surveillance pricing” as “downright creepy” and a “rip-off,” alleging that Big Tech and retailers are collaborating to exploit Canadians. The NDP plans to introduce a parliamentary motion to prohibit this dynamic pricing, a move echoed by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. Recent polling indicates that a majority of Canadians believe algorithmic pricing is unfair and should be banned or more strictly regulated, with concerns also raised by the Competition Bureau and consumer advocacy groups regarding its potential impact on pricing.
John Q. Hosedrinker