Updates
FTC Investigates Surveillance Pricing Practices of Eight Companies
July 30, 2024

Last week, the Federal Trade Commission announced an investigation into the surveillance pricing practices of eight companies under its 6(b) authority. Vast troves of personal information feed these privacy-invasive practices with little to no oversight. Surveillance pricing allows businesses to algorithmically exploit consumers’ sensitive information to charge them higher prices. The Commission explained that it seeks to “better understand the opaque market for products by third-party intermediaries that claim to use advanced algorithms, artificial intelligence and other technologies, along with personal information about consumers—such as their location, demographics, credit history, and browsing or shopping history—to categorize individuals and set a targeted price for a product or service.” This investigation is another step that the Commission has taken to pull back the curtain on the opaque and harmful practices of data aggregators and surveillance advertising companies. EPIC has long advocated for increased regulation of commercial surveillance practices and encourages the Commission to use all of its authorities to protect consumers.

Support Our Work
EPIC's work is funded by the support of individuals like you, who allow us to continue to protect privacy, open government, and democratic values in the information age.
Donate