Peters presents plans to protect Illinois consumers from surveillance-based pricing

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Robert Peters outlined a plan he’s spearheading that would ban companies from collecting personal data from Illinois consumers for the purpose of price discrimination during a subject matter hearing Wednesday.

“The Surveillance-Based Price Discrimination Act is commonsense legislation that would protect all of our state’s consumers from price gouging and data privacy threats,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Our residents have already endured years of inflation, and now we are facing an affordability crisis while some of the biggest corporations rake in record profits. We cannot sit back and watch the unjust targeting of the finances, privacy and equality of Illinoisans.”

Surveillance pricing includes the use of personal information such as browsing history or behavioral patterns, and companies typically collect and analyze the data using AI and algorithms to charge personal prices for customers. Peters’ measure , Senate Bill 2255, aims to limit the use of surveillance data in the state, preventing companies from prioritizing maximum profits at the expense of individuals’ privacy and dignity.

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Peters advances measure supporting victims’ access to justice

SPRINGFIELD — To address safety gaps and prioritize continuous protection for victims in Illinois’ justice system, State Senator Robert Peters advanced a measure to secure petitioning eligibility for restraining orders during criminal proceedings.

“Victims of abuse deserve to feel safe, dignified and protected from their abusers through every step of the formal legal process,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “By allowing victims to petition for an order of protection during criminal proceedings, we can minimize victims’ trauma and stress by providing immediate safety from further harm or harassment.”

Peters’ measure would build on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, which currently prohibits orders of protection from being denied solely based on the incarceration status of either the petitioner or the respondent, ensuring the logistical timing of incarceration does not outweigh victims’ access to legal protections.

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Peters: Affordability must be at the forefront for Illinois’ residents

SPRINGFIELD — After Governor JB Pritzker delivered the State of the State address, including his Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal, on Wednesday, State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“Across the nation, we’re seeing attempts from the Trump administration to stall federal funding for critical services and essential infrastructure, including emergency grants, transportation aid, investments in safety-net hospitals and more.

“At a time when federal uncertainty is causing us to navigate funding in new and practical ways, affordability must be at the forefront for Illinois’ residents. As our neighbors face fears regarding the rising cost of living, I remain committed to advocating for investments that prioritize the stability of our state’s workers, families and students – from heightening labor protections to fully-equipping after-school and violence prevention programs.”

Peters introduces measure to protect consumers, workers from AI-driven discrimination

SPRINGFIELD — Artificial intelligence has been a source of consumers’ data and privacy concerns for over a decade, but in recent years, a new branch has started to stem from these concerns, as reports indicate stores may be using AI-gathered personal data to charge customers more for goods and services. To protect Illinoisans from this practice – known as surveillance-based discrimination – State Senator Robert Peters has introduced legislation that would block the use of modern technology to set personalized prices or wages.

“The Surveillance-Based Price and Wage Discrimination Act is commonsense legislation that would protect our residents from price gouging, wage discrimination and data privacy threats,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “At a time when corporations are prioritizing profits and shareholder wealth over consumer affordability and worker pay, this measure would secure the finances, data privacy and equality of all Illinoisans.” 

Surveillance pricing and wage data includes personal information such as browsing history or behavioral patterns, and companies typically collect and analyze the data using AI and algorithms to charge personal prices for customers or set personal wage rates for gig workers – like Uber drivers.  Peters’ measure aims to limit the use of surveillance data in the state, preventing companies from prioritizing maximum profits at the expense of individual privacy and dignity.

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