JetBlue accused of using personal data to hike – Business News
JetBlue has been sued in a proposed class motion claiming it makes use of clients’ personal data to set ticket costs, after its response to a social media post raised concern that the provider employed “surveillance pricing” to make flying more costly.
According to a criticism filed late Wednesday in Brooklyn federal court docket, JetBlue conceals its use of “trackers” to set costs dynamically, and shares data with third events whose packages help it determine when to raise fares.
“Consumers should not have to have their privacy rights violated to participate in [JetBlue’s] digital rat race for airline tickets which should cost the same for each similarly seated passenger,” the plaintiff, Andrew Phillips, stated within the criticism.
JetBlue conceals its use of “trackers” to set costs dynamically, and shares data with third events whose packages help it determine when to raise fares, the lawsuit claimed. NurPhoto by way of Getty Images
JetBlue declined to touch upon the lawsuit on Thursday.
It additionally stated it doesn’t use personal data or artificial intelligence to set ticket costs.
Surveillance pricing lets firms use shopping histories, areas and different personal data to set particular person costs.
The lawsuit adopted an April 18 exchange on X the place a passenger praised JetBlue however stated “a $230 increase on a ticket after one day is crazy. I’m just trying to make it to a funeral.”
JetBlue’s response stated the passenger ought to strive “clearing your cache and cookies or booking with an incognito window. We’re sorry for your loss.”
The Long Island City, NY-based provider stated on Monday its response was incorrect, whereas including that “fares can change at any moment as seats are purchased or as inventory is adjusted based on demand.”
JetBlue stated it doesn’t use personal data or artificial intelligence to set ticket costs. Getty Images
On Tuesday, two Democratic lawmakers in Congress requested JetBlue to reply to detailed questions on pricing, together with whether or not it makes use of personal data “to inform prices.”
In November, two dozen congressional lawmakers requested Delta Air Lines to deal with whether or not it used or plans to use generative AI in setting costs. Delta stated no.
Phillips’ lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for JetBlue’s alleged violations of a federal anti-wiretapping law and New York state client safety legal guidelines.
