FTC orders nine companies to explain pricing and pay practices

The Federal Trade Commission has ordered nine companies to provide information about whether personal data or loyalty-program participation affects consumer prices, and whether data influences job offers or pay for some gig workers. The orders name Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Lyft, Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, Target and Walmart. The FTC is examining prices for airfares, rides, food delivery and other goods and services. For rideshare and delivery companies, it is also seeking information about factors that may affect driver offers and compensation, including phone use and workers’ records of accepting previous offers. The commission issued the orders under Section 6(b) of the FTC Act, which allows it to conduct market studies without a specific law-enforcement purpose. The inquiry is intended to gather information about the tools, data and methods the companies use. The FTC says the orders are not findings that any company uses personalized pricing or has violated the law. Companies must respond within 45 days of receiving or being served with an order. The FTC says it may seek a federal court order to compel compliance. The order template covers information...