Surveillance pricing

JetBlue Sued Over Alleged Personal Data Price Gouging

A proposed class action lawsuit alleges JetBlue employs “surveillance pricing” by using customer personal data and third-party programs to dynamically set ticket prices. This practice, which allegedly involves “trackers” to adjust fares based on browsing history and other data, was brought to light after the airline suggested clearing browser cache and cookies to a customer experiencing a significant price hike. JetBlue denies using personal data or artificial intelligence for pricing, stating fares fluctuate based on demand and seat purchases. The lawsuit seeks damages for alleged violations of federal anti-wiretapping and New York consumer protection laws.

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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.

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