FTC orders nine companies to turn over personalized pricing data

The Federal Trade Commission is demanding information from nine major companies about how they use algorithms and loyalty programs to set prices and pay. The Guardian reports the inquiry covers consumer prices and driver wages.

The companies named are Delta, United, JetBlue, Lyft, Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, Target and Walmart. CNBC, citing Reuters, reported the demands on Wednesday. It quoted an official who said Target, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, Delta, United and JetBlue are also receiving them.

The Guardian says the regulator wants each company to account for why and how it charges different customers different amounts for the same product or service. It also wants to know how drivers end up with different pay.

The Guardian says the inquiry follows investigations and lawsuits. These allege that consumers are charged different prices based on their buying histories. They also allege that drivers are paid different fares based on their personal histories.