Trending Now - Maryland Leads the Way With Ban on Surveillance Pricing in Groceries

WHO:

Scripps News - Maryland Governor Wes Moore proposed the legislation.

Scripps News - Consumer Reports engaged in the legislative process regarding the bill.

WHAT:

Scripps News - Maryland passed the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act, which bans "surveillance pricing."

Newsweek - The act blocks retailers from using surveillance pricing, which tailors prices based on personal data.

Scripps News - Violations of the act will be treated as deceptive trade practices under state law, with potential fines and lawsuits.

WHERE:

Scripps News - The legislation was passed in Maryland.

WHEN:

Scripps News - The bill was passed in April 2026 and sent to the governor for a signature.

WHY:

Scripps News - Governor Moore stated that Marylanders deserve to know the price they see on the shelf is the price they will pay at the register, especially amid rising costs of groceries and necessities.

HOW:

Scripps News - The act prohibits food retailers and third-party delivery services from using personal data to set prices.

(UPDATED April 20, 2026 23:19 UTC)

Maryland has passed the Protection From Predatory Pricing Act, which bans "surveillance pricing" that tailors prices based on personal data. Proposed by Governor Wes Moore, the legislation aims to ensure that consumers can trust the prices they see on shelves are the prices they will pay at the register, particularly as grocery and necessity costs rise. Violations of this act will be treated as deceptive trade practices under state law, leading to potential fines and lawsuits.