Against McDonald’s in the United States filed a class action lawsuit on the collusion of prices using AI

In the United States against the fast food chain McDonald’s filed a class action lawsuit in the Federal court of Chicago (Illinois). This is reported by TASS with reference to Reuters.

The plaintiffs allege that the company violated antitrust laws by colluding with franchisees to coordinate prices using artificial intelligence algorithms. According to the statement, the system analyzes data on millions of daily transactions in almost 14,000 restaurants across the country and forms recommendations on the cost of meals. According to the plaintiff, the use of a single system allows to coordinate prices between institutions that must independently compete for buyers.

McDonald's denied the allegations, calling them speculative and untrue. Representatives of the network stressed that franchisees independently form prices, and the use of analytical tools is a normal practice in the industry. The company explained that the digital tool only provides recommendations for a particular restaurant, taking into account local costs, demand and competition, but the owners of establishments are not obliged to use it and make the final decision on setting prices.

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