FTC Investigates Instacart’s AI Pricing Tool, Source Reveals; Stock Prices Decline — TradingView News

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating Instacart’s AI-driven pricing tool, Eversight, following complaints about pricing disparities. Reports indicated that some customers were charged significantly different prices for identical grocery items, with variations of up to 23% for the same products at the same store. Instacart shares fell by 10% in after-hours trading after the investigation was disclosed. The FTC is gathering information regarding the implications of such technology on consumer pricing amid rising living costs. While Instacart claims it does not set prices, it provides tools for retailers to test price variations. This scrutiny extends beyond Instacart; the FTC has previously looked into data-driven pricing across several corporations. Critics, including U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, urge the FTC to enhance transparency in pricing tests. As digital pricing strategies face increased regulatory attention, understanding their impact on affordability remains crucial for consumers.

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