Retailers and the companies working behind the scenes can collect information about where you are, what you search for, what you buy and how you behave online.The FTC says pricing systems can use personal data to estimate how much an individual consumer may be willing to spend.
That concern is now getting serious attention in Washington.On Aug.
19, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission published a proposed enforcement policy statement aimed at personalized pricing.The FTC says it cannot ban the practice in every situation, but companies that fail to clearly tell consumers how personal data affects the prices they see could violate federal consumer protection law.So, could the information companies collect about you actually change the price, discount or product you see? Here's what the research shows and what you can do before your next online purchase.Missed CyberGuy LIVE? Watch the replay and discover 5 ways AI can help you get better healthcare.Our free CyberGuy LIVE class, Get Better Healthcare With AI, has ended, but you can still watch the full replay.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson walks you through five practical ways AI can help you organize your health history, remember important appointment details, understand complicated medical information, research prescriptions and prepare smarter questions for your doctor.No technical experience is needed.Watch the free replay + downloadable checklist now at CyberGuyLive.comMARYLAND MOVES TO BAN SURVEILLANCE PRICING IN GROCERY STORESData brokers can collect personal information from multiple sources and build profiles that companies may use to better understand consumers.
(Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)You've probably encountered dynamic pricing already.Dynamic pricing adjusts prices based on broader conditions such as supply, demand, available inventory, time or location.
Rideshare fares may rise when lots of people need cars at once.Airline tickets and hotel rooms can also change as availability and demand shift.
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