Maryland Bans Real-Time Surveillance Pricing in Groceries
Maryland will become the first state to bar retailers from using shoppers’ data to set live, personalized grocery prices (surveillance pricing) under the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act, with prices fixed for at least one business day and bans on using data like income or demographics to charge different customers; loyalty programs and promotions remain allowed. Enforcement rests with the attorney general, with fines up to $25,000 for repeat violators. Critics say loopholes (notably loyalty pricing exemptions) and limited private right of action weaken the law, while supporters view it as a blueprint as other states consider similar measures amid a broader push for price transparency and digital price-tag tech in stores.