CONSUMER SURVEILLANCE · PRICING

The FTC found that location, browser history, shopping behavior and even mouse movements can feed systems used to tailor prices and promotions.

Observe → profile → change the offer

The FTC's surveillance-pricing study examined documents from intermediary firms that help businesses algorithmically tailor prices and promotions. Its initial findings said inputs can include precise location, demographics, browsing patterns, shopping history, mouse movements and products left unpurchased in a cart.

This is different from ordinary dynamic pricing based only on time, inventory or market demand. The privacy concern arises when information about the person—or their behavior—is part of the mechanism deciding what offer they see.

Why it matters: You do not need to be accused of a crime for surveillance to disadvantage you. Information changes bargaining power. Data collected because it appears harmless can become an input into deciding what somebody thinks you will tolerate paying.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission, Jan. 2025 · FTC Office of Technology

WHY THIS LIBRARY EXISTS

This page preserves the anecdote and its caveats separately from the shorter Why Privacy Matters explainer. The goal is to keep the argument readable without hiding the receipts.