And this scheme has been quietly building in many industries for the past decade or so. Be it by AI or just an intermediary.

They are all following the “guidance” of some entity in their industry that is paid to be an expert. And everyone in the industry signs up. That expert then “advises” on pricing and other choices. And slowly over time they are essentially colluding, but with more steps, and then they also benefit from the ability to talk in circles when called on it.

The practice needs to be outlawed across the board.