Consumer watchdog: Chinese web firms ‘bullying’ customers with data, algorithms

Companies must stop using systems to scan through consumers’ personal data and offer them different prices for goods based on that information, the association said. — Reuters

BEIJING/SHANGHAI: Chinese Internet companies have been violating customers’ rights by misusing personal data and “bullying” people into purchases and promotions, a government-backed consumer association said on Jan 7.

The statement from the China Consumers Association (CCA) did not name any companies, but comes as Beijing has ramped up scrutiny of technology giants, reversing a once laissez-faire approach towards its vast Internet space.