News-Maryland-Surveillance-Pricing-Ban-2026

April 29, 2026 — Maryland has become the first U.S. state to ban surveillance pricing in grocery stores, prohibiting retailers from using consumer data to rapidly adjust product prices based on individual shopper profiles. The law, signed by Governor Wes Moore, addresses the growing use of AI-powered dynamic pricing systems that leverage personal data — including purchase history, location, and browsing behavior — to set individualized prices in real time.

The surveillance pricing ban applies specifically to grocery retailers and prohibits the use of consumer-specific data to set different prices for different shoppers for the same product. Critics note the law contains various carveouts, including exceptions for loyalty programs and membership-based pricing, which they argue limit its effectiveness.

Other states including Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and New Jersey are considering similar legislation, positioning Maryland's law as a potential model for broader state-level regulation of AI-powered consumer pricing practices.

Significance

The law represents an early example of state-level regulation specifically targeting AI-powered consumer pricing algorithms. While focused narrowly on grocery retail, the concept of surveillance pricing extends across industries, and Maryland's law may influence broader legislative efforts to regulate algorithmic price discrimination.

See Also

• Consumer Protection
• Data Privacy
• AI Law News — April 2026