Senator Rachel May's Legislation Would Ban Companies from Using Personal Data to Raise Prices

The New York State Senate passed Senator Rachel May’s legislation (S8623) to protect consumers from surveillance pricing, a practice that uses personal data such as purchasing history, online activity, and other consumer information to tailor prices, often resulting in higher costs for some consumers. 

“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to wonder if the price they see is based on who they are instead of what they’re buying,” said Rachel May. “Companies are using personal data, like browsing history, device type, and even device battery level, to charge people different prices for the same product. That kind of surveillance pricing is unfair, and we can’t allow it. My bill bans it and ensures transparency in automated pricing so consumers know they’re being treated fairly,” said Senator Rachel May.