Pennsylvania legislators seek ban on AI rent-setting technology

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WHTM) — A new bill in the state legislature would ban the use of what legislators call “algorithmic rent-setting technology” in Pennsylvania.

“While millions of working people struggle to pay the rent, I’m not willing to sit back and hand the keys over to Big Tech oligarchs in DC. We’re going to fight back,” Rep. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia), the bill’s sponsor, said. 

One service in the sector controls 80% of the market and was recently sued by the U.S. Department of Justice for antitrust violations and was banned in Philadelphia.

“These rent-setting algorithms are driving up housing costs nationwide by generating the highest possible rent not just for one landlord or real estate company, but in coordination, for all their clients in the market,” Krajewski added. “It’s no surprise red and blue states alike are moving to ban them. It’s just a clear-cut practice of collusion and inappropriate price fixing, designed to nickel and dime tenants.”  

The bill comes as federal legislators are moving an omnibus spending package Krajewski’s office says includes language prohibiting states from restricting the use of artificial intelligence for ten years.