Stiles targets corporate grocers and tech giants with a ban on surveillance pricing

QUEEN’S PARK – Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition NDP, is bringing bold solutions to rising costs of everyday goods and services with a motion to end the predatory practice of surveillance pricing.

Stiles’ motion follows trailblazing legislation that was passed by Manitoba’s NDP government.

“Why should a secret algorithm from an American tech giant decide how much you pay for eggs,” said Stiles. “Families across Ontario are hurting under the pressure of rising food prices, and now, grocery giants and tech companies are teaming up to use people’s data against them to squeeze people out of their last dollar. This is unfair and predatory.

American tech giants and grocery chains are using AI-powered algorithms and electronic shelf labels to analyse shoppers’ personal data to charge them different prices for the same product. This practice is already being used by companies like Uber, Booking.com, online grocery apps, and many more.

"Every time you search something online, order an Uber, or use a grocery app, your information is being used to charge you more," said Stiles. "Tech giants want you to believe you can opt out. But you can't opt out of buying groceries. And they know there are no rules to stop them."

"Manitoba banned it. Doug Ford can too," said Stiles. "He just has to choose people over corporations. That's why I'm bringing it to a vote."

The Ontario NDP's motion would deliver relief at the till by banning predatory surveillance pricing practices and protecting consumers from rising costs.