Let’s talk about something that’s been making waves in the tech world – surveillance pricing. Yes, you heard that right. It’s not just a buzzword thrown around by conspiracy theorists in their mom’s basement. It’s a real thing, and it’s as ridiculous as it sounds. Cory Doctorow recently shared his thoughts on the most absurd excuses for it, and let’s just say, they’re a goldmine of comedy and frustration.
It is not categorically illegal, and not categorically legal. Legality turns on the data used, the jurisdiction, the disclosures made, the consumer-protection facts, and whether the system shares non-public competitor data. New York’s Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act, in effect since 2025, requires covered businesses to disclose when a price was set by an algorithm using personal data, but it is a disclosure rule, not a ban. Several states have introduced algorithmic- pricing bills. This is not legal advice, and the reputational envelope is tighter than the legal one.
First off, what is surveillance pricing? In simple terms, it’s the practice of charging customers differently based on how much data companies collect on them. So, if you’re the type who clicks every cookie consent and spends hours on social media, congratulations! You might just be paying more for your services because of your digital footprint. It’s like being penalized for having an interesting life. Who knew being a social butterfly could come with a price tag?
Now, let’s delve into those excuses that make you want to pull your hair out. One of the most popular justifications is the classic ‘we need to keep the lights on’ line. Apparently, monitoring our every move is so expensive that companies need to charge us extra to maintain their surveillance systems. I mean, have you seen the price of electricity these days? But here’s a thought: maybe instead of spying on us, they could just cut down on their unnecessary expenses. Like, do they really need that gold-plated coffee machine in the breakroom?
Another gem is the ‘personalization’ pitch. Companies love to tell us that they’re charging us more because they’re offering a unique experience tailored just for us. It’s like being served a gourmet meal while the chef watches you eat from the corner, taking notes on your every bite. Thanks, but I’d rather have my privacy than a personalized ad for cat pajamas that I didn’t even know I needed.
Then there’s the ‘security’ excuse. Ah yes, the old reliable. They claim that by tracking us, they can keep us safe from cyber threats. But let’s be real, if they’re so concerned about our safety, why do they keep our data in giant vaults that are easier to hack than a teenager’s Instagram account? It’s almost like they’re saying, ‘We’re here to protect you, but we’ll also sell your data to the highest bidder. Just in case.’
And let’s not forget the classic ‘everyone else is doing it’ defense. This one is particularly rich. Just because your neighbor is throwing their trash in my yard doesn’t mean I should start doing it too. Just because other companies are charging more for surveillance doesn’t make it right. But hey, at least we can all agree that misery loves company, right?
In a world where privacy is becoming a luxury, it’s essential to call out these ridiculous excuses for surveillance pricing. It’s not just about the money; it’s about our right to privacy. If we continue to let companies justify their invasive practices with laughable excuses, we might as well hand them our social security numbers and call it a day.
So, the next time you hear a company spouting off about how surveillance pricing is necessary, remember Cory Doctorow’s insights and give them a skeptical look. Because if we don’t stand up against these absurd justifications, we’re all just sheep waiting to be sheared. And nobody wants that.
Inspired by: “Cory Doctorow: The stupidest imaginable excuses for surveillance pricing” (r/technology)