Story perspectives

Maryland Bans Data-Driven Pricing, Fixes Store Prices Effective 2026

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Maryland bans surveillance pricing in stores and delivery platforms under the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act, effective Oct 1 2026.
The law fixes prices for at least one business day, bans data-based pricing, permits loyalty-program differences, and imposes 45-day cure periods with fines up to $10,000, $25,000 for repeats.
Consumer Reports found price gaps up to 23%, costing households over $1,200 a year, prompting other states to consider similar bans.

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Story summary

Maryland bans surveillance pricing in stores and delivery platforms under the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act, effective Oct 1 2026.
The law fixes prices for at least one business day, bans data-based pricing, permits loyalty-program differences, and imposes 45-day cure periods with fines up to $10,000, $25,000 for repeats.
Consumer Reports found price gaps up to 23%, costing households over $1,200 a year, prompting other states to consider similar bans.