The Manitoba government is moving to ban personalized pricing based on consumer data.
The proposed Bill 49 would make it illegal for retailers to charge different prices to customers using personal or algorithm-driven information.
“Protecting Manitobans from unfair pricing practices is essential to keeping life affordable,” said Public Service Delivery Minister Mintu Sandhu. “These are first-of-their-kind amendments and take aim at the misuse of personal data to inflate prices and ensure consumers are treated fairly, whether they shop at the grocery store or other retailers. By strengthening these protections, the Manitoba government is reinforcing its broader commitment to lowering everyday costs for families.”
The bill responds to concerns that some companies may use consumer data to charge higher prices for goods, including groceries.
It would also apply to online retailers and online distributors.
Sandhu says Bill 49 will also help the province align with the government’s commitment to lower grocery prices for Manitobans.