SMRTR Science & EngineeringNov 23, 2025Wired

Game Theory Explains How Algorithms Can Drive Up Prices

SMRTR summary

Pricing algorithms used by online sellers can drive up prices even without intentional collusion, creating a regulatory challenge for authorities who traditionally target explicit price-fixing agreements. Researchers discovered that when certain "learning" algorithms compete against simple "nonresponsive" strategies, they reach an equilibrium with high prices that benefits both sellers without any communication or threats between them.

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