Explaining Surveillance Pricing and Other Data-Driven Pricing Practices

EPIC and Consumer Federation of America’s issue briefing, Explaining Surveillance Pricing and Other Data-Driven Pricing Practices, highlights how personal data affects pricing in the modern economy. The explainer guide defines key terms relevant to data-driven pricing practices, breaks down how surveillance pricing actually works, and compiles real-world examples of predatory pricing practices. 

Policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels are increasingly working to combat surveillance pricing and other predatory pricing practices. Many states are considering legislation regulating surveillance pricing. Just recently, the Federal Trade Commission announced it will require companies to disclose their use of surveillance pricing tactics to consumers.

This resource gives the people working to address these data-driven pricing practices a common vocabulary and understanding of the problem, which will help create more effective solutions.