Saturday, January 10, 2026

Amazon’s AI Is Shopping for You in Unintended Ways — and Retailers Aren’t Thrilled

Amazon’s new AI-driven “Buy for Me” feature allows users to order products directly from other retailers without their consent. This function, part of Amazon’s Shop Direct initiative, uses publicly available data to place orders on behalf of customers, often leading to confusion among retailers who find their products listed without permission. Complaints have surfaced, with some retailers unaware of the program until receiving unexpected orders. Issues like outdated inventory listings and inaccurate product images have exacerbated frustrations, as these businesses face repercussions from unauthorized sales. While Amazon claims the AI system verifies stock and pricing, the challenges for third-party sellers raise ethical questions about data scraping and consent. This innovation aims to enhance convenience for shoppers but risks alienating small businesses that strategically avoid the platform. Ultimately, as Amazon explores AI shopping solutions, the impact on retailers highlights the need for clearer communication and consent protocols.

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