The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has ordered nine major airlines, ride-sharing companies, and food-delivery firms to provide detailed information regarding their use of personal data to determine pricing and compensation. This inquiry aims to uncover whether companies are using consumer data to set prices that vary from one individual to another.

FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson emphasized the need for transparency in how companies may be leveraging personal data, such as web surfing habits, to maximize prices charged to consumers. Additionally, the inquiry seeks to understand how gig workers' compensation might be influenced by similar data-driven methodologies.

The companies involved in this inquiry include Delta, United, JetBlue, Lyft, Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, Target, and Walmart. They are required to submit information that will help the FTC assess the variability in pricing for services like tickets, rides, and food deliveries based on personal data analysis.

Historically, while airlines have maintained transparent salary structures, ride-sharing and food-delivery companies often employ complex compensation formulas that may be influenced by drivers' personal data. The FTC's orders demand documentation of the methods used to adjust pricing and compensation.

This inquiry follows a previous FTC study on personalized pricing conducted in mid-2024, which focused on middlemen rather than the companies directly involved in pricing decisions. The current investigation aims to rectify that oversight by directly engaging with the companies that set prices.

In August, the FTC also sought public comments on a proposed enforcement policy regarding the undisclosed use of personal information for unique consumer pricing, indicating a broader commitment to consumer protection under the current administration.

The companies have 45 days to respond to the FTC's orders, which are issued under Section 6(b) of the FTC Act, allowing for extensive studies without a specific law enforcement purpose. The Commission's vote to approve these orders was unanimous at 2-0.