FTC Launches Inquiry into Personalized Pricing Practices Across Tech, Airline, and Retail Sectors
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has initiated a non-enforcement probe to investigate how various companies utilize customer data to implement personalized pricing. The inquiry specifically targets ride-sharing platforms including Uber and Lyft, as well as delivery services like DoorDash, seeking detailed information on their pricing algorithms. In addition to the tech sector, the FTC is requesting descriptions from airlines and retailers regarding their use of consumer information to determine individualized price points. This investigation marks a shift in regulatory focus; while similar inquiries were conducted during the Biden administration, the current Republican-led FTC has criticized previous approaches for focusing too heavily on intermediaries rather than the core pricing mechanisms.
Topics: antitrust consumer privacy FTC investigation personalized pricing price discrimination