Maryland becomes first US state to ban surveillance pricing in grocery stores
Original: Maryland becomes first state to ban surveillance pricing in grocery stores
Why This Matters
First state-level regulation of AI-driven dynamic pricing could set precedent for consumer protection
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed legislation Tuesday making the state the first to ban grocery stores from using personal data like location and search history to set higher prices. The law targets surveillance pricing practices that charge customers different amounts for identical items.
Maryland has become the first US state to prohibit surveillance pricing in grocery stores, with Governor Wes Moore signing the measure into law Tuesday. The legislation bans grocers and third-party delivery services from using personal data to set higher prices for consumers. 'Maryland is not just pushing back. Maryland is pushing forward because we are going to protect our people,' Moore stated at the signing ceremony. Surveillance pricing involves rapidly changing product costs based on consumer data including location, internet search history, and demographics, effectively charging each person the maximum they're willing to pay. The Federal Trade Commission has documented similar practices across clothing, beauty, and hardware stores, but consumer groups emphasize urgency for grocery regulation given food accessibility impacts. Similar bills are under consideration in Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and New Jersey.