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Maryland Bill Would Ban Dynamic Grocery Pricing and Individualized Algorithms in Stores

Officials warn digital price tags with algorithms can push grocery costs higher.

Overview

  • Gov. Wes Moore introduced the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act to prohibit dynamic pricing and surveillance-based individualized pricing at grocery stores.
  • The measure requires listed prices to stay the same for at least one business day to stop rapid, automated changes.
  • Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive trade practices and enforced by the Maryland attorney general under the Consumer Protection Act.
  • Penalties include fines of up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $25,000 for subsequent offenses.
  • Moore cited “concrete evidence” of such pricing tactics without naming chains, and the proposal builds on the 2024 online data privacy law as leaders aim to pass it this session.