McDonald's sued over AI pricing tool for US franchisees

A federal lawsuit in Illinois alleges McDonald's AI pricing tool violates antitrust law by sharing nonpublic sales data among competing franchisees. McDonald's says franchisees set prices and the tool only offers recommendations.

• Lawsuit filed Friday in Illinois on behalf of consumer Michael Thomas
• McDonald's has used an AI-enhanced pricing tool for over a decade
• Franchisees own and operate 95% of McDonald's 14,000 US stores
• Plaintiff seeks class-action status and damages