Google has firmly rejected allegations from a prominent consumer advocate that its forthcoming Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) for AI-powered shopping agents could enable data-driven overcharging. The claims, sparked by a viral social media post, have ignited debate over privacy and pricing in the era of artificial intelligence.
Lindsay Owens, executive director of the Groundwork Collaborative, warned that the protocol integrates shopping into Google’s AI tools like Search and Gemini, potentially using chat data for ‘personalised upselling’ to inflate prices. The tech giant, however, insists the features are designed to enhance user choice and value, not exploitation.
Cory Doctorow is right.
The dream of big tech is social media without socialising, search engines without searching, online shopping without browsing.
Why would they be doing it otherwise?
“Enhance users choice”. Even if I assumed good intentions, what the hell is a chatbot going to do??
Do not give Google or any AI your credit card number.
Just tell us how you are going to prevent this abuse, and how your policies forbid it. It’s easy Google. Just do that and you will quiet all concerns.
I mean, not really…their policies are subject to change at any time to whatever they see fit. Their track record doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that they won’t abuse it.
Pressing X now
