AI Steals Data, Manipulates Prices: Consumers Face Hidden Spending Traps

Recent research reveals that companies are using artificial intelligence to collect consumer data on a massive scale and manipulate prices through dynamic pricing strategies, enticing consumers to spend more. Take McDonald’s as an example: its loyalty program requires users to authorize tracking of sensitive data such as location and browsing history to train AI models that build consumer psychological profiles, targeting 250 million users. Another survey shows that price differences for the same product on Instacart can reach 23%, potentially costing some consumers an extra $1,200 annually. The article points out that while AI technology makes consumption more convenient, it also exacerbates privacy violations and price discrimination, while the lack of regulation further worsens the consumer situation. Public concern about AI is growing, with 61% of Americans wanting stronger control over AI use. Experts are calling for legislation to regulate AI applications in pricing and data processing to protect consumer rights and market fairness.