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Maryland to become first state to ban ‘dynamic pricing’ in grocery stores
The bill would bar retailers from using personal data to set individual prices, while keeping sales and loyalty discounts in place.
On Monday, Democratic Governor Wes Moore confirmed he will sign the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act, making Maryland the first state to ban "surveillance pricing" in grocery stores.
Retailers use personal shopper data, such as location or purchase history, to set individualized prices; Moore aims to shield Marylanders "from invasive data practices and unpredictable price spikes."
Taking effect Oct. 1, the law prohibits dynamic pricing based on personal data, with violators facing fines up to $10,000, though traditional sales and loyalty discounts remain permissible.
Consumer Reports warned "this bill has loopholes that will limit its real-world impact," while the Maryland Retailers Alliance called the legislation a "workable framework.