The NDP is calling on the federal government to ban stores from using personal data to set prices.
In his first appearance in Parliament Hill on Monday as new NDP leader, Avi Lewis slammed this business practice, which he referred to as “surveillance pricing” but is also known as “algorithmic” or “dynamic” pricing. As technology continues to advance, many companies have been using the likes of AI to alter pricing depending on factors like a consumer’s search history, income levels or other demographic details.
In his speech, Lewis called surveillance pricing “unfair” and “downright creepy” for Canadians. “Big Tech is teaming up with retailers, including grocery giants, to spy on Canadians and gouge them even more,” said Lewis. He called on the government to “use all tools at its disposal to stop the practice dead in its tracks.”
It’s currently unclear how Mark Carney’s Liberal government, which just won a majority, may proceed. Last month, an Abacus Data poll found that most Canadians are in favour of a ban on algorithmic pricing. Around the same time, the Manitoba government introduced a bill that would prohibit companies from using personal data to increase prices for specific customers.
For now, the NDP is calling on Canadians to sign a petition to support an algorithmic pricing ban.
Image credit: NDP
Via: Global News
