The ACCC says that major retailers and airlines could use data collected to discriminate against customers with inflated prices, while also hurting competition by 'locking in' customers with loyalty points.
The consumer watchdog says that major retailers and airlines could use data collected through customer loyalty schemes to discriminate against customers with inflated prices, while also hurting competition by "locking in" customers with loyalty points.
“There is also an emerging risk of real consumer harm if individual consumers were to be charged inflated prices based on profiling derived from their data."Mr Sims said that somebody could be charged extra based on their income or where they live, for example, or if their frequent flyer data or online search history indicates they can only travel on certain dates.
Mr Sims said that some consumers would be "shocked" to learn that Coles' flybuys and Woolworths' Rewards scheme automatically link their loyalty accounts with their bank's cards, and can track their spending even when they do not present their loyalty card at the checkout.
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