_WHAT’S HAPPENING_

Algorithms designed to maximize revenue are distorting markets across entertainment and energy, prompting President Trump to demand gas stations immediately lower prices to around $2.50, believing they are setting gas prices too high.

These pricing systems let companies quietly charge each customer as much as they can get away with, while making it nearly impossible to know why you're paying more than someone else.

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David Hooten4 months ago

It depends on the algorithm. The AI pricing models need to be investigated for their structure, and, where necessary, be corrected and the companies fined.

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Jim Harmon4 months ago

I agree, David, and the fines should be significant.

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Michael H.4 months ago

I do not trust AI as it is. There are too may issues at this point that must be addressed to put so much faith into the systems. Sadly, people have become accustomed to passing the buck as fast as possible to make someone or something other than themselves responsible for things HUMANS need to be in control of. There is way to much bias in the programing of the AI systems and there needs to be more oversight and regulation until that bias is eliminated.

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James G.4 months ago

I think what you really mean to say is you don't trust humans. People created AI. With or without it, there will be price gouging regardless.

Either way, I'm with you on this: I don't trust AI, because I don't trust people. The advent of this very topic, validates our/my suspicions about the integrity of the human race as a whole - there is none!

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Joy Thomas4 months ago

I agree

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Selene Kitchens4 months ago

AI is bad. Period. Cant trust any of it. Period. Selene k.

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James G.4 months ago

AI was created by people. It is just another tool; like a pen, a sword, or a suicide drone. It's not the tools fault - it's the PEOPLE!

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Stephen Lykins4 months ago

Everyone should pay the same price for an identical good or service as everyone else. I do not trust AI but, if it is used in pricing at all, it should only be allowed to set the single price. No algorithm, AI or not, should ever be allowed to set different prices for different customers purchasing identical goods or services.

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sharon smith4 months ago

Absolutely!

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Bernie Peer4 months ago

Yes, because it is not a free market. It is reminiscent of socialism and communism. Only the elite can have luxuries.

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Georges Nidorn4 months ago

Before AI, wasn't gas pricing corrupt as well?

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Photo Man4 months ago

"Do you think action is needed to tackle AI-driven pricing?" Absolutely!!! I have tracked several commodity exchange prices for decades, with Crude Oil and Wholesale Gasoline prices amongst my favorites. The oil companies have been playing their greedy price manipulation game mightily ever since the so called first energy crisis in '74. Ever since covid, the oil companies definitely show their pure greed. Study their quarterly financial statements. All to enhance their corporate profits and keep their investors mighty happy. I'm glad Trump is initiating going after them.

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Jim Powers4 months ago

Pricing should never be left up to a computer to determine. These AI tools are pricing things so high that affordability is an issue across the board. AI pricing tools should be as illegal as monopolies are.

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Fred Scott4 months ago

We must ensure that AI does not harm humans directly or indirectly! And with that, no entity should be able to misuse this power for financial gain over the people!

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Jennifer Vaughn4 months ago

Personalized/individualized prices for goods, services, rent, etc. set by AI algorithms should be banned.

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Don G4 months ago

Corporations use any means they can to make a profit. Their stockholders demand this so they can obtain more money. AI is just another tool for them to use. If price fixing is done, proven, then the companies leaders must go to jail.

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Barbara Cousin4 months ago

No. Get rid of AI first.

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Greg Berry4 months ago

AI needs to be regulated. Not just certain aspects of it. Evil people will do evil things with it.

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NoOne WhoMatters4 months ago

A price for an item or service should be the same for everyone. Why should there be differences? AI is a monster that should be reined in and tightly controlled.

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Cyndee Pacheco4 months ago

I do not trust AI. Period!

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M Harrell4 months ago

That does need to be investigated! I don’t trust any AI.

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Jim Powers 4 months ago

The only thing I know about it is what you have written. That’s not enough to form an opinion, but I appreciate the info. I need to learn more.

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Terry McCall4 months ago

Yes, when competition is removed only the rich will be able to afford ticketed entertainment. It needs to be regulated to bring back competition.

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James G.4 months ago

I trust AI as much as I trust the pen I use to write with. As much as I trust this computer I use to type with. As much as I trust the phone I use to text with. I trust those tools because I trust myself.

AI is just another tool. It's not AI's fault. It's the a**holes behind it.

Just like the car you drive everyday - you have the option to mow down pedestrians, but you don't. If you did, who would be to blame? The car or you?

  • JG -
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    Doug Ebbecke4 months ago

    Seems AI could be our demise. With all the problems it’s creating out of the gate so to speak. How’s anyone going to control it and make sure it’s for our betterment not our detriment. Definitely concerning!

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    Tman Travis4 months ago

    The system need serious investigation and the results passed to the customers, a small cut to investors, but gouging is off the charts, I can't remember last time it $68 a barrel. Yet we in Califorina/corruption 2x 3x cost rest the country

    Just found out last 10 years, Ca. Was charging close to $2.00 for a cap & trade program, (almost $1,000,000,000 collected) yet less than 10% ($77,000,000 was being spent on environmental stuff) Solar panels in La. But over priced and extreme corruption in the $77 mil. Also some of the money was going to support 23 demoncrats, and also a demoncrat door knocker political program. So somewhere to the tune of $750 million unknown destination. Yet if any of Ca. System was honest $2.00 should be removed per gallon just on that corruption alone.

    Not to mention Ca. Is pushing a milage fee estimated to be $4,200 a family with 2 cars. And those in sacramento don't give a crap droves of income earners are leaving

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