Question 1

Is it legal for retailers to charge different prices in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Only if disclosed. The "Price set by Algorithm" label is mandatory. If the label is missing but the price is personalized, the retailer is in violation of Section 5(a).

Question 2

Why do I see a higher price on my iPhone vs. my Laptop?

Accepted Answer

Retailers often flag mobile device users as "High-Propensity" shoppers. AlgoAudit helps you strip away these device-based markups.

Question 3

Will using this audit tool get my account banned?

Accepted Answer

No. Exercising your Section 5 Opt-out rights is a protected legal activity. Retailers are prohibited from retaliating against consumers who request baseline pricing.

Question 4

What is the 2026 Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act (APDA)?

Accepted Answer

The APDA is a federal law (Public Law 119-APDA2026) effective January 1, 2026 that requires online retailers to disclose when a price is personalized based on consumer data. Under Section 5, consumers have the legal right to opt-out and pay the non-discriminatory baseline price. View the official law text: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/APDA2026

Question 5

How does the AlgoAudit Tool work?

Accepted Answer

Our tool uses a decentralized proxy network to simulate a "clean" user profile, comparing the price you see with the market baseline. If a markup is detected, it generates a formal Section 5 Opt-out notice for you to submit to the retailer.

Question 6

Can I get a refund for past algorithmic markups?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If a retailer failed to disclose an algorithmic markup after January 1, 2026, you can file a claim. Use our Audit Report as evidence for your refund request to their compliance department.

Question 7

What is device fingerprinting pricing?

Accepted Answer

Device fingerprinting pricing occurs when retailers use your device's technical characteristics (browser, operating system, screen resolution) to determine your price sensitivity. Under APDA Section 5, this practice must be disclosed, and you can opt out to receive the baseline price.

Question 8

What is Bluetooth beacon pricing?

Accepted Answer

Bluetooth beacon pricing is when retailers use in-store Bluetooth beacons to track your location and adjust prices based on your proximity to the store. This geospatial price discrimination is now regulated under APDA Section 5, and you have the right to request the baseline price.

Question 9

What is GPS pricing markup?

Accepted Answer

GPS pricing markup occurs when retailers use your location data to adjust prices based on your zip code or proximity to stores. This location-based pricing discrimination is regulated under APDA Section 5, and you can opt out to receive the national baseline price.

Question 10

What is a baseline price finder?

Accepted Answer

A baseline price finder is a tool that helps you discover the non-discriminatory market price for a product. Our algorithmic pricing audit tool acts as a baseline price finder, comparing your personalized price with the true market baseline under APDA Section 5.

Question 11

What is an algorithm markup calculator?

Accepted Answer

An algorithm markup calculator is a tool that calculates the difference between your personalized price and the baseline market price. Our AlgoAudit tool functions as an algorithm markup calculator, helping you identify how much you're being overcharged.

Question 12

What is a Section 5 opt-out letter template?

Accepted Answer

A Section 5 opt-out letter template is a standardized format for requesting the baseline price under APDA Section 5. Our tool generates a complete Section 5 opt-out letter template with all necessary legal citations and audit evidence.

Question 13

What is geospatial price discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Geospatial price discrimination is when retailers adjust prices based on your geographic location, using GPS data, zip codes, or store proximity. Under APDA Section 5, this practice must be disclosed, and consumers have the right to request the baseline price regardless of location.

Question 14

How to use a personalized pricing checker?

Accepted Answer

A personalized pricing checker compares the price you see with the baseline market price. Our AlgoAudit tool functions as a personalized pricing checker, simulating a "clean" profile to find the true baseline price and detect any algorithmic markups.

Question 15

What is the new pricing law 2026?

Accepted Answer

The new pricing law 2026 refers to the Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act (APDA) that went into effect on January 1, 2026. This federal law requires retailers to disclose when prices are personalized using consumer data and gives consumers the right to opt out and request baseline prices.

Question 16

When did the January 2026 pricing law take effect?

Accepted Answer

The January 2026 pricing law, officially known as the Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act (APDA), took effect on January 1, 2026. This law applies to all online retailers, e-commerce platforms, airlines, and businesses that use algorithms to personalize prices.

Question 17

What is the 2026 consumer protection law for pricing?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 consumer protection law for pricing is the Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act (APDA). This law protects consumers from undisclosed algorithmic pricing by requiring transparency, providing opt-out rights, mandating baseline price access, and prohibiting retaliation against consumers who exercise their rights.

Question 18

What is the new algorithm pricing law?

Accepted Answer

The new algorithm pricing law is the 2026 Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act (APDA). This law regulates how retailers can use algorithms to personalize prices, requiring disclosure of personalized pricing and giving consumers the right to opt out and receive baseline market prices.

Question 19

What is the 2026 APDA law effective date?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 APDA law effective date is January 1, 2026. From this date forward, all retailers using algorithmic pricing must comply with APDA disclosure requirements, and consumers can exercise their Section 5 rights to opt out and request refunds for undisclosed markups.

Question 20

How can I stop being overcharged by algorithms?

Accepted Answer

To stop being overcharged by algorithms, use our AlgoAudit tool to detect markups, generate a Section 5 opt-out letter, and submit it to the retailer's compliance department. Under APDA Section 5, you have the legal right to request baseline pricing and claim refunds for undisclosed markups.

Question 21

How can I prevent algorithmic pricing from affecting me?

Accepted Answer

To prevent algorithmic pricing from affecting you, exercise your APDA Section 5 rights by submitting an opt-out request to retailers. This will ensure you receive baseline market prices instead of personalized prices. You can also use our audit tool to detect and document any algorithmic markups.

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APDA Compliance & Consumer Rights FAQ

Q:Is it legal for retailers to charge different prices in 2026?

Q:Why do I see a higher price on my iPhone vs. my Laptop?

Q:Will using this audit tool get my account banned?

Q:What is the 2026 Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act (APDA)?

Q:How does the AlgoAudit Tool work?

Q:Can I get a refund for past algorithmic markups?