Groundwork Collaborative Proposes 12-Point Shoppers' Bill of Rights Against Algorithmic Pricing
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 30
Groundwork Collaborative Proposes 12-Point Shoppers' Bill of Rights Against Algorithmic Pricing
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 30
Summary
Groundwork Collaborative’s new report calls for a 12-point “Shoppers’ Bill of Rights,” arguing shoppers need federal protections against algorithmic pricing, surveillance-based rates, hidden fees and subscription traps.
Six highlighted proposals would require upfront all-in pricing, ban prices based on browsing or location data, curb rapid dynamic price spikes, mandate easy subscription cancellation, strengthen repair access and force disclosure when AI shopping tools are not acting for consumers.
Groundwork says older consumer laws were built for paper price tags and cash registers, leaving buyers exposed as retailers adopt digital price tags, machine-learning pricing models and personalized offers that can change by the minute.
State action is emerging but uneven: Maryland this year became the first state to ban food retailers and delivery services from using dynamic pricing or surveillance data to raise prices, while New York passed a similar bill and Colorado’s governor vetoed one.
The group argues that patchwork state rules leave consumers vulnerable across state lines and that national standards are needed as algorithmic pricing spreads from rideshares and ticketing to online retail.