PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland landlords are now banned from using AI-driven algorithms to set rent prices.

Wednesday evening, Portland City Council passed a new ordinance that prohibits the use of algorithmic programs which collect data from other landlords in order to suggest rent prices.

The ordinance, put forth by District 3 Councilor Angelita Morillo earlier this year , combats what she described as "high-tech price fixing." Morillo said the ordinance is aimed at large rental companies to keep them from using artificial intelligence to generate "algorithmic pricing," which can drive up rents across the board.

Landlords who violate the rule could face up to $1,000 in city fines per violation. Any landlord or company that develops, owns, or otherwise provides a price-setting tool will a

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