> Such software can allow landlords to collude on pricing by using an algorithm—something the law doesn’t allow IRL. When you replace once-independent pricing decisions with a shared algorithm, expect trouble.
Enjoyable to watch norms about language (IRL) change.
Having adults give this a once-over would have been better. Does the law allow collusion online rather than IRL? This sentence implies that it does, otherwise the "IRL" is superfluous. Most (but not all) of us know, based on our knowledge and experience with zoomer writing, that the writer is not speaking literally or carefully. But this is a summary of a legal document and can be used in a court of law. This writing is terrible given the context.
It's not the only example of bad writing.
> And even if some of the conspirators cheat by starting with lower prices than those the algorithm recommended, that doesn’t necessarily change things. Being bad at breaking the law isn’t a defense.
Breaking the law less or not at all is indeed a defense, possibly a successful one. It also doesn't constitute being "bad" at breaking the law.
Lots of people who work in government agencies feel that it is okay to lie to the public to try to achieve greater goods. They are wrong.
Enjoyable to watch norms about language (IRL) change.