Instacart Caught Using AI to Charge Wildly Different Prices for the Same Item

Futurism — AIFriday, December 12, 2025 at 7:06:43 PM
Instacart Caught Using AI to Charge Wildly Different Prices for the Same Item
  • Instacart has been found to use artificial intelligence to charge different prices for the same grocery items, with discrepancies reaching up to 23 percent. This practice was highlighted in a recent study involving around 200 shoppers across four U.S. cities, confirming that the company is conducting short-term pricing tests.
  • This pricing strategy raises significant concerns regarding fairness and transparency, as consumers may unknowingly pay varying amounts for identical products. Such practices could damage Instacart's reputation and customer trust.
  • The situation reflects broader issues within the tech industry, where companies increasingly rely on AI for pricing and marketing strategies, leading to ethical dilemmas and public backlash. Similar controversies have emerged in other sectors, indicating a growing scrutiny of AI's role in consumer interactions.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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