Seattle City Council votes to ban surveillance pricing in sale of groceries
The Seattle City Council has passed legislation to ban 'surveillance pricing,' a practice where retailers use personal data to adjust prices for groceries based on individual consumer profiles. The bill, which awaits the mayor's signature, aims to ensure price transparency and protect shoppers from data-driven discrimination.
Why it matters
This legislation sets a national precedent for consumer privacy and digital rights, potentially influencing how retailers use big data in the future.
If signed, Seattle will become the first city in the nation to prohibit the pricing tactic
Seattle, Washington – The Seattle City Council today passed the Fair Pricing and Transparency Act (CB 121267), groundbreaking legislation supported by Consumer Reports that would prohibit personalized pricing in the sale of groceries. Consumer Reports provided technical assistance to the Mayor’s office throughout the policy development process, testified, and recently submitted a letter in support of the legislation. The bill now heads to Mayor Wilson for her signature.
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