The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has ordered Walmart and eight other companies to provide detailed information about their personalized pricing strategies. The inquiry will examine how companies use consumer data, including browsing history, location and income, to potentially set different prices for individual shoppers.
The order is part of a broader FTC study of how algorithmic and AI-driven tools affect consumer prices and worker compensation. Other companies named in the request include Uber, Delta, United, Target, Lyft and DoorDash.
The companies have 45 days to respond with information about the data, tools and strategies they use in their pricing models.