Seattle Council to Vote on Bill Banning Data-Driven Price Discrimination by Grocers
The Seattle City Council is scheduled to vote on a bill that would prohibit large grocery companies, including those with over 20 locations globally, and third-party delivery apps from using personal customer data to customize prices and discounts. Proposed by…
Seattle Tacoma, WA, September 18, 2026 —
The Seattle City Council is preparing to vote on a new piece of legislation that, if passed, would restrict how large grocery companies and third-party delivery services can utilize customer data. The proposed bill seeks to prevent the practice of using personal information to tailor prices and discounts offered to consumers.
The legislation, which has the backing of Mayor Katie Wilson and Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, specifically targets companies with a significant global presence, defined as those operating over 20 locations worldwide. It would also apply to third-party delivery applications commonly used by consumers to order groceries and other goods.
The core objective of the bill is to combat what proponents describe as algorithmic price discrimination and gouging. The measure aims to ensure that all customers receive the same prices and discounts, irrespective of their perceived purchasing power or past spending habits. Proponents argue that current practices could lead to certain customers being charged more or offered fewer discounts based on data analysis of their behavior.
A specific date for the City Council vote was not provided in the summary. The details of the bill’s implementation and enforcement mechanisms were also not elaborated upon in the available information. The bill’s passage would represent a significant regulatory step in how consumer data can be leveraged in the retail and delivery sectors within Seattle.
Story summarized from the original created by Guy Oron on www.thestranger.com, see more information here.
