Walmart denies plans for personalized pricing despite patent filings

Walmart is facing scrutiny following a report by the Groundwork Collaborative, which alleged that the retailer is developing technology to implement personalized or 'surveillance' pricing. The report points to several patent applications that describe the collection of extensive consumer data to adjust prices based on individual behavior and needs. Groundwork also raised concerns regarding Walmart's AI shopping assistant, 'Sparky,' suggesting it may be used to influence spending. In response, Walmart’s executive vice president, Dan Bartlett, issued a firm denial, stating that the company does not use AI to upcharge customers and has no intention of pursuing dynamic pricing. Groundwork’s leadership maintains that the company's public statements contradict its internal patent filings, fueling ongoing debates about corporate transparency and the ethical use of consumer data in retail. The controversy highlights growing concerns among policymakers regarding the potential for AI-driven pricing strategies to disadvantage shoppers.