Amazon has issued a cease-and-desist letter to AI startup Perplexity, demanding that its Comet browser cease purchasing on Amazon. Perplexity asserts that Amazon is “bullying” it, arguing these demands threaten internet users’ rights. Amazon claims Comet violates its terms of service by degrading the shopping experience and introducing privacy risks. Their “Conditions of Use” prohibit unauthorized use of account information and data mining tools, which Comet allegedly contravenes by storing log-in credentials and making purchases on behalf of users. Although Perplexity agreed to halt agentic shopping in November 2024, it allowed it again upon the browser’s release, leading to Amazon’s legal action. Amazon states that all third-party applications must respect service provider rules to ensure a positive customer experience. Complicating matters, Perplexity may emerge as a rival; Amazon showcased its AI agent “Buy for Me” in April 2025. This conflict raises significant questions about user agency and AI’s role in e-commerce.
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