Our data is no longer private – everything from our physical location, browsing and shopping history and even our medical information is collected primarily for the benefit of large corporations. Companies then use this data to tailor their prices to individuals, with some consumers paying higher prices than others for the same product or service. This is known as “surveillance pricing.” Consumers who use rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are familiar with “surge pricing” where prices are higher based on real-time demand but may not be familiar with companies using information such as a person’s low phone battery to customize prices. If these types of pricing methods are being used, they are unfair to consumers, especially to those who rely upon rideshare companies to get to appointments or to run errands.
 
In order to protect Pennsylvania consumers from surveillance pricing by rideshare companies, I plan to introduce legislation to prohibit these companies from setting prices according to your device’s condition such as battery life, the number of wireless connections and the age of the device. You shouldn’t have to surrender your phone’s privacy just to get a ride home.
 
Please join me in supporting this important measure to protect consumers’ privacy and ensure fair pricing from rideshare companies.