Policy And Consumer Rights News

Seattle Council Passes First-in-Nation Ban on Algorithmic Grocery Pricing

The Seattle City Council voted 7-2 on September 22 to pass the Fair Pricing and Transparency Act, making Seattle the first U.S. city to ban personalized grocery pricing. The ordinance prohibits large retailers from using personal data, such as browsing history or income levels, to set individual prices for essential goods. While the bill allows universal discounts for groups like seniors and veterans, it bans algorithmic price discrimination that could charge different shoppers different amounts for the same item. The legislation now awaits Mayor Katie Wilson's signature.