FTC launches inquiry into personalized pricing and employee compensation, issuing orders to nine firms

What happened

On October 28, 2026 the Federal Trade Commission announced an inquiry into the use of personal information for pricing and employee compensation. The FTC issued orders under Section 6(b) of the FTC Act requiring detailed disclosures of the methodologies used. Companies must describe the consumer data categories, timing, tools, and overrides involved in price setting and compensation decisions.

Why it matters for trust and compliance

• Its status is announced. It is not law yet. Track it, but do not treat it as an obligation.
• The FTC’s inquiry signals heightened regulatory scrutiny of how personal data drives pricing and pay practices across multiple industries.
• It relates to FTC Act Section 5. The regulations library explains what that law requires.

Who is affected

Recommended actions

1. Check that privacy notices describe the practices this addresses.
2. Inventory where this data is shared or sold and whether opt-outs are honoured.
3. Inventory AI or automated decision systems in scope and their assessments.