Derek Kravitz
Investigative journalist at Consumer Reports who led a study into Instacart's pricing practices and explains findings about surveillance pricing and retailer use of AI.
Best podcasts with Derek Kravitz
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Dec 16, 2025 • 26min
The Price is Rigged
Derek Kravitz, an investigative journalist at Consumer Reports, and Alfred Ng, a tech policy reporter for Politico, dive into the controversial world of surveillance pricing. They explore how Instacart uses customer data for price discrimination, revealing alarming findings from a live study on algorithm-based price changes. The discussion also touches on the legal gray areas surrounding these practices, consumer reactions, and the FTC's ongoing probe. With insights into the political landscape and legislative attempts to address these issues, their conversation is both enlightening and thought-provoking.
Dec 23, 2025 • 23min
Instacart’s AI-aided Pricing Experiments
Derek Kravitz, a reporter and deputy editor at Consumer Reports, dives into the intriguing world of Instacart's AI-driven pricing experiments. He reveals that 74% of tested products showed significant price variations, raising concerns about profiteering and consumer trust. The discussion explores the ramifications of personalized pricing, particularly for low-income shoppers and SNAP recipients. With tips for consumers to safeguard their wallets, Derek sheds light on the growing prevalence of algorithmic pricing across major retailers and Instacart's strategic pivot to tech solutions.
