Maryland is set to become the first state to ban surveillance pricing as the legislature passed the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act this month. Introduced by Gov. Wes Moore in January, the act aims to prevent grocers and third-party apps like delivery services from using surveillance data and dynamic pricing in Maryland grocery stores. It also imposes steep penalties for businesses caught engaging in these practices, including a first-time fine of up to $10,000.
"Marylanders deserve to know that the price they see on the shelf is the price they will pay at the register," said Moore in a press release. "At a time when Marylanders are already stretched by the rising cost of groceries, housing, and everyday necessities, we must ensure that new technologies are not used to drive up the bill for working families."
