Why Instacart Backtracked on an AI-Pricing Experiment

Bloomberg TechnologyTuesday, December 23, 2025 at 11:55:01 PM
Why Instacart Backtracked on an AI-Pricing Experiment
  • Instacart recently faced backlash after conducting an AI pricing experiment that charged different customers varying prices for the same grocery items, with some paying up to 23% more. This controversial strategy drew attention from consumers and lawmakers alike, leading to significant scrutiny over the company's pricing practices.
  • The backlash from this pricing strategy is critical for Instacart as it raises questions about consumer trust and fairness, potentially impacting its reputation and customer loyalty. The company has since decided to backtrack on these pricing tests amid growing concerns.
  • This incident highlights ongoing debates about pricing transparency in the gig economy and the ethical implications of using AI in consumer pricing strategies. The scrutiny faced by Instacart reflects broader concerns about fairness and accountability in the tech-driven marketplace, especially as regulatory bodies like the FTC investigate such practices.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended apps based on your readingExplore all apps
Continue Readings
Why ServiceNow Is Buying Cyber Startup Armis for $7.75 Billion
NeutralArtificial Intelligence
ServiceNow has announced its acquisition of cybersecurity startup Armis for $7.75 billion, as confirmed by President and COO Amit Zavery during an interview on Bloomberg. This deal marks a significant investment in enhancing ServiceNow's cybersecurity capabilities.
Expect 'Massive Adoption' of Account-to-Account Movements: zerohash CEO
PositiveArtificial Intelligence
Edward Woodford, CEO of zerohash, emphasized the anticipated surge in account-to-account movements during his appearance on Bloomberg Crypto, highlighting the increasing adoption of stablecoins and digital assets by banks and institutions in the U.S. The company, founded in 2017, has already processed over $65 billion in transactions, showcasing its significant role in the evolving crypto infrastructure landscape.
ITI CEO on the Tech Industry's Roadmap for 2026
NeutralArtificial Intelligence
Jason Oxman, president and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Association, outlined the tech industry's roadmap for 2026 during an interview on Bloomberg Tech, addressing key issues such as data center expansion, AI regulation, and tech export restrictions.
Memory Chip Makers Say AI Alters Boom-and-Bust Cycle
NeutralArtificial Intelligence
The memory chip industry is experiencing a transformation as manufacturers indicate that artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the traditional boom-and-bust cycle. This shift is highlighted by Ian King's report, which discusses how AI's influence is altering market dynamics and production strategies in the sector.

Ready to build your own newsroom?

Subscribe to unlock a personalised feed, podcasts, newsletters, and notifications tailored to the topics you actually care about