Walmart cuts loyalty membership costs for shoppers on government aid
Helping all customers enjoy their membership benefits and shopping experience, Walmart has reduced costs for their Walmart+ members who receive government aid. The retailer’s loyalty program will now only cost $6.47 per month for those on Medicaid, Social Security, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and other government programs. Walmart+ typically costs members $98 annually, or $8.16 per month.
Perks for Walmart+ membership include free grocery deliveries, free shipping for online orders, gas discounts and access to Paramount+ streaming services. This change in cost will help millions of Walmart shoppers enjoy these benefits and more, while building continued customer loyalty.
AMC drops plan to charge more for preferred seating
Due to customer feedback and a competitive market, AMC Entertainment will not charge more for better seats in their theaters as a part of their customer loyalty program. The movie theater chain has announced its “Sightline” pricing strategy in February and tested it out at select locations in three U.S. markets. The program charged moviegoers more for the best theater seats, or “Preferred Sightline” seats.
The program also reduced the price of seats deemed less attractive to patrons, such as those located at the front row of theaters. The cinema chain said its focus will now be to test front row seating with more comfortable recliners in select locations in the United States later this year.
Google, Microsoft agree to White House AI safeguards
Google, Microsoft, and other tech companies that are leading the development of artificial intelligence technology have agreed to meet a set of AI safeguards brokered by President Joe Biden’s administration.
The White House said Friday that it has secured voluntary commitments from seven U.S. companies meant to ensure their AI products are safe before they release them. Third-party oversight of these AI systems is top of mind, however the details on who will audit the technology or hold the companies accountable are unclear.
These companies have also committed to methods for reporting vulnerabilities to their systems and to using digital watermarking to help distinguish between real and AI-generated images known as deepfakes.
“History would indicate that many tech companies do not actually walk the walk on a voluntary pledge to act responsibly and support strong regulations,” said a statement from James Steyer, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Common Sense Media.
As artificial intelligence continues to be funded and developed, more companies will face scrutiny in how they use this technology and its impact on workers and consumers.
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