Seattle Becomes First U.S. City to Ban AI Grocery Surveillance Pricing

Seattle's city council voted 7–2 to ban algorithmic grocery surveillance pricing, with Mayor Katie B. Wilson signing the ordinance on October 5, 2026. Chains with 20-plus locations worldwide cannot use personal data to set individualized grocery prices. Substantive requirements take effect September 1, 2027, with three-year recordkeeping obligations.

• Seattle council approved the ban in a 7–2 vote
• Covers chains with 20+ locations and 10,000+ sq ft grocery areas
• Substantive rules take effect September 1, 2027
• Pricing and consumer-data records must be kept for three years