We Found The Radical Solution To Surveillance Pricing
DoorDash has patented a system that lets companies offer promotional deals based on how stressed you are.
States are passing bans against surveillance pricing, and Big Tech is spending big to crush them.
We uncovered the $13K wine-and-dine that defanged Maryland’s ban.
Producer: Alec Opperman
Editor: Addison Post
Videographers: Evan Carter, Norberto Peña-Rios, Laura Bustillos Jáquez, Jack Davis, Rob Jackson.
Supervising Producer: Sam Quigley
Video Production Manager: Isabel Atalya
Video Production Coordinator: Jodi Clemens
Video Production Fellow: Astrid Dong
Student Agitators:
Morgan Garrow
Zachary Scorielli
Zac Task
Additional Research: Sludge
—–
More Perfect Union is an Emmy-winning, nonprofit newsroom whose mission is to build power for working people. Here’s what that means: We report on the real struggles and challenges of the working class from a working-class perspective. We attempt to connect those problems to potential solutions. We report on the abuses and wrongdoing of corporate power. And we seek to hold accountable the ultra-rich who have too much power over America’s political and economic systems.
To support our independent journalism, subscribe, donate, and follow our other pages through the links below:
– Help fund our reporting: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/mpu-splash
– Substack: https://substack.perfectunion.us/
– TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moreperfectunion
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorePerfectUS
– Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/moreperfectunion.bsky.social
– Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MorePerfectUS
– Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perfectunion/
– Threads: https://www.threads.net/@perfectunion
– Website: https://www.perfectunion.us
@grimsonforce7504
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Americans love corporations, amazing how they are still shocked by this.
@LordMondegrene
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
This cuts both ways.
People in Lamborghinis & Bentleys could be charged more for gas, groceries, or repairs to slashed tires, smashed windows.
@elaineisabelle427
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
The greed in this country is mind blowing.
@kokorochacarero8003
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
The solution is more dead CEOs
@DerpsGW
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Horrifying stuff. Targeted advertising is already so dystopian. Targeted pricing is just mind bogglingly dystopian.
@nobodytotakeyourcall
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
0:59 they look so sad after getting double interrupted ;v;
@dsiepiela6449
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
If our politicians were not the puppets of the oligarchs they would fight for the people.
@ChrisRossiswatching
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
I'm guessing the tags use e-paper. You just gotta build something to fry them.
@Neverland4747
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
You should do one on Asset Protection departments of places like Target. People would lose their minds if they knew stores know EVERYTHING about you.
@MikeSmith43761
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Maryland government hates its citizens. Their sole purpose of existing is to feed the progressive government.
@TheDarkKratoz
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
I think that there's some stronger messaging you could have used for Hochul's decision. Either A) she sides with the people who elected her, and brings price protections to the people of New York, or B) she hates everyone in New York, and will sell them out for 2-3 free steak dinners.
@Neverland4747
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Welcome to China, America
@JB-td4ei
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
How, when I put my box of Oreos into my cart, does the price come up at the till? It uses a single UPC barcode. How is it going to be dynamic after I’ve walked through a store and then gave my cart and cash to my child to go through checkout?
@Alessandra-ec2hr
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Can y’all go after the snowboard resorts. The daily change in prices based on conditions is the worst
@trishhamilton2049
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Hey this is a BRING US TOGETHER THING…. No matter who we ALL feel the same about this BS
@lupinedew
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
The answer is simple but people dont want to hear it.
JUST STOP USING SMART PHONES like they have gotten us addicted to.
There IS NO NEED for such convenience, such quick answers, such connectivity. It's the problem.
Im NOT saying not to use your computer when you need to… just STOP the slop life they've got us believing in.
I know it sounds crazy… but enough is enough. STOP SEEKING the CONVENIENCE they've sold. IT'S A PRISON. And its tightening around each of us closer and closer.
@deaconyates2671
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
As a resident of Maryland, I know whom I will not be voting for in the next governor’s primary and I’ll be sure to let everyone know about this, Thank you
@VeganPrepper
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
There was a brilliant and quirky little series I read called the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. In those books is a corporation that basically owns and runs everything. He was ahead of his time. I'm going to go give it a re-read. It begins with The Eyre Affair, for those interested.
@robertadams2857
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
The show talks about surveillance pricing and I’m sure it exists. However, how come no actual examples? Actually demonstrate at the checkout for example.
@TurkTurkitron
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
We just need a law that prevents corporations from acting evil
@AngelaCSpears
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
If they don't have paper tags, wipe boards, or chalk on slates, wall out of you can. Shop elsewhere.
@YoKnow
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
I'd get the wagu and ask for some more to go! Imagine getting taken out to dinner by a lobbyist just to order boneless wings with fries, no thank you!
@TuRK-47e
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Viewer beware, this clickbait horse crap contains no solution, radical or otherwise. Taking a fundraiser onto such a nothingburger is a ballsy move.
@Rancorous_Redwood
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Damn, this is the way to do reporting and tell the whole story. Awesome work.
@nyxborne1786
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
The fact that i got a walmart and amazon add before watching this is hilarious
@DadBodDrumming
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
The price at the time the store opens for the day should be the same price all day or cheaper. You should not be allowed to raise prices at anytime during business hours as that is false advertising. If i pick up a candy bar off the shelf listed at $1 and the price increases before I reach the register, then they have mislead me with a false price and that is ILLEGAL.
@BrentWigginsWords
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
Logan's Run is becoming a walk in the park with each new day.
@steelfloor10
June 12, 2026 at 4:19 pm
STOP BUYING STUFF ESPICALLY ONLINE! And if you even suspect this report it and BOYCOT that store. Make a YouTube video, broadcast it.