Are your purchases pricier because of your search history? FTC wants to know

Could your browsing history be changing the price you pay? We may soon find out. Several major companies have 45 days to respond to an order sent this week by the Federal Trade Commission to turn over details about what kind of personal information they use to determine prices. The practice is called surveillance pricing and right now it s unclear if or how companies are using it. The order from the FTC could provide clarity for consumers on if they’re being charged more based on things like their internet searches, or even their enrollment in company loyalty programs. Nine major companies, including Delta, United, JetBlue, Lyft, Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, Target and Walmart, were targeted by the FTC. Each will be required to reveal how it sets prices and whether algorithms or loyalty programs can change what you’re charged. The FTC also wants to know whether the same technology is being used to personalize pay for rideshare and delivery drivers. The concern around sur