Incidents gathered from public reporting around the world. Each one links to the articles it came from. None of it is a finding that anyone broke the law.
Reports people file about their own experience are not shown here and never will be without their agreement. Tell us what happened to you.
92 incidents closest to “PROS Real-Time Dynamic Pricing” · matched on meaning · public reporting
AI-generated travel guides are flooding Amazon, allegedly written by scammers using AI to produce generic, low-quality content. Customers who purchase these guides receive poor information and feel defrauded. Amazon claims to enforce content guidelines but many such books remain on the platform.
8 source articles · read the reporting →
Presto Automation Inc, which markets an AI voice assistant for drive-thru ordering, used off-site human agents in countries including the Philippines to double-check orders in more than 70% of customer interactions, according to SEC filings reported by Bloomberg. The company told Bloomberg that the process helps train its system and should reduce human intervention over time. Presto's drive-thru AI is used in more than 400 restaurants, including Del Taco, Carl's Jr and Checkers, and its stock fell more than 10% after the reports.
8 source articles · read the reporting →
Amazon introduced an AI-powered feature to generate summaries of customer product reviews. Merchants reported that the AI inaccurately highlights negative feedback, even when only a small percentage of reviews are critical. The summaries may exaggerate negative themes, potentially harming sales. Amazon acknowledged the issue and said it is working to refine the technology based on seller feedback.
5 source articles · read the reporting →
Two consumers filed a proposed class action against Amazon in Washington federal court, alleging that the company rigged its algorithms to boost sales of its own retail business and third-party sellers using its fulfillment service. The plaintiffs claim that hundreds of millions of customers have overpaid for items as a result. The lawsuit is pending.
6 source articles · read the reporting →
Geoffrey A. Fowler, a Washington Post columnist, asked OpenAI's Operator AI agent to find cheap eggs in his neighborhood. Instead, the AI autonomously ordered a dozen eggs for $31 and had them delivered. The incident highlights the AI's inability to follow cost-saving instructions, resulting in a financial loss for the user.
3 source articles · read the reporting →
A study by law professor Veena Dubal alleges that Uber and Amazon use AI algorithms to offer different pay rates to gig workers doing identical work. The algorithms are said to calculate the lowest wage a driver will accept based on personal data. Uber denies tailoring individual fares, and the California Labor Commission's lawsuit against Uber and Lyft is ongoing.
10 source articles · read the reporting →
Eventbrite's recommendation algorithm promoted thousands of listings selling illegal prescription drugs like oxycodone and Xanax alongside addiction recovery events. The listings, which appeared in search results and related events, directed users to unlicensed online pharmacies. Eventbrite acknowledged the issue and removed the listings after WIRED alerted them.
4 source articles · read the reporting →
During a city rail network shutdown in March 2023, Uber's surge pricing algorithm charged commuters hundreds of dollars above normal fares. One passenger was charged $500 for a trip from Sydney to Mount Annan that usually costs $40. Uber apologized and reimbursed affected customers. The NSW government then made an agreement with Uber to cap surge pricing during public transport disruptions.
6 source articles · read the reporting →
Uber's dynamic pricing algorithm increased fares by up to 800% on New Year's Eve in Australia, leaving some users with bills hundreds of dollars above normal. Skye Shanahan was charged $720 for a trip that usually costs $100, and Kris Keen paid $330 for a $40 ride. Uber defended the surge pricing, saying it encourages more drivers, and offered $180 credit to Shanahan.
10 source articles · read the reporting →
Delta Air Lines is using generative AI from Fetcherr to determine some domestic flight prices, currently covering 3% of its network with plans to reach 20% by end of 2025. Democratic senators expressed concern that the AI could be used for individualized pricing based on personal data, leading to higher fares. Delta denies using personal data in pricing and states it complies with regulations. No actual harm has been reported.
8 source articles · read the reporting →
GMB Union has welcomed a report into Uber's dynamic pricing that appears to show it benefits Uber more than drivers. GMB members have reported declining earnings since the introduction of dynamic pricing. The union has called for greater transparency around earnings in the gig economy and will review the report before consulting members on next steps.
8 source articles · read the reporting →
U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bob Casey sent a letter to Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen raising concerns about the company's use of Electronic Shelving Labels (ESLs) for dynamic pricing. The system, called EDGE shelf and developed with Microsoft, can change prices based on time of day or weather, potentially leading to price gouging. The senators warned that this could harm consumers by increasing grocery costs and requested information from Kroger about its use of the technology.
10 source articles · read the reporting →
Wendy's, a US burger chain, told investors it planned to test dynamic pricing on digital menu displays. The announcement drew backlash online, with accusations of price gouging. Wendy's later denied any intention to raise prices during busy periods, saying its plans had been misconstrued.
9 source articles · read the reporting →
During a major snowstorm in New York City in January 2015, Uber capped its surge pricing at 2.8 times the normal fare after facing criticism for price gouging during Hurricane Sandy. The company announced the cap in an email to users and said it would donate proceeds to the American Red Cross. The policy was in line with an agreement with the New York Attorney General to prevent massive price surges during emergencies.
5 source articles · read the reporting →
After a shooting on a Brooklyn subway train, Uber and Lyft's automated surge pricing algorithms increased fares for riders in the area. Both companies later disabled surge pricing and stated they would refund customers who were overcharged. The incident highlights the risk of automated pricing systems that cannot account for emergency contexts.
6 source articles · read the reporting →
A report by Cracked Labs found that Microsoft's Dynamics 365 Field Service software uses AI to generate performance metrics and predict task durations, singling out individual workers. The AI predictions can be influenced by the worker's identity, such as increasing or decreasing estimated duration. Microsoft stated the system is not intended for employment decisions and is not a surveillance tool, but the report raises concerns about potential misuse for worker monitoring.
6 source articles · read the reporting →
Ticketmaster's dynamic pricing system caused ticket prices for Oasis's reunion tour to surge from around £135 to over £488 for some fans. Fans reported paying double or triple the face value for standing tickets in Dublin and Cardiff. The system, which adjusts prices based on demand, has been criticised by fans on social media. Ticketmaster has not commented on the incident.
9 source articles · read the reporting →
Edinburgh Airport admitted it was trialling an AI system that randomly set higher or lower parking prices for online bookers, with customers receiving different quotes for the same service. The Scottish Passenger Agents Association called for the trial to be conducted in controlled 'lab' conditions rather than on the public. The airport said the AI's pricing closely matched staff-set prices and the findings would evaluate whether to adopt the system.
3 source articles · read the reporting →
The Royal Opera House used dynamic pricing to set ticket prices for Wagner's Siegfried. The price reached £415, among the highest for any performing arts event in British history. The algorithm increased prices based on demand, affecting ticket buyers.
5 source articles · read the reporting →
Amazon launched a program called Shop Direct and a 'Buy for Me' AI agent that scrapes products from other retailers' websites and lists them on Amazon without their permission. Retailers such as Hitchcock Paper and Bobo Design Studio received orders for items they did not sell or that were out of stock. Amazon stated that businesses can opt out by emailing, and that the program helps customers find products. Some retailers have accused Amazon of exploiting their businesses.
5 source articles · read the reporting →
Senator Elizabeth Warren pressed Amazon CEO over allegations that Amazon Business uses opaque pricing algorithms and misleading contracts to overcharge school districts and local governments. An investigation found that Amazon charged some buyers up to three times as much for identical products, such as a 12-pack of Sharpie markers. The pricing is algorithm-driven and dynamic, and Amazon's group purchasing contracts with OMNIA Partners sidestep traditional competitive bidding. The overcharging is ongoing and has not been resolved.
6 source articles · read the reporting →
A ProPublica study found that Princeton Review's geographically-determined pricing system charges Asian American students almost twice as likely as other ethnicities to pay the highest prices for online SAT tutoring. The system sets prices based on location, with higher prices in areas like New York City where Asian Americans are concentrated. Princeton Review stated that prices reflect local costs and competition, but the disparity raises concerns about racial discrimination in automated pricing.
7 source articles · read the reporting →
Whole Foods, owned by Amazon, is reportedly using a heat map that scores stores on their risk of unionization. The system analyses metrics including local union membership, NLRB charges, employee compensation, diversity, and internal sentiment surveys. The tool is used to monitor and potentially prevent union organising efforts. Whole Foods stated it prefers a direct relationship with employees, while Amazon has a history of aggressively combating unionization.
1 source article · read the reporting →
An investigation by the Pulitzer Center found that Grab's ride-hailing app in the Philippines always includes surge fees in its fares, even when wait times are long. Customers like Rica Torres reported rising costs without explanation. A complaint filed with the LTFRB in 2022 remains unresolved, and the regulator has not determined how the algorithm sets surge rates.
8 source articles · read the reporting →
