A federal judge has issued an order blocking Perplexity’s browser-based AI agents from placing orders on Amazon on behalf of users, as previously reported by Bloomberg. In a ruling Monday, U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney wrote that Amazon “provides compelling evidence” that Perplexity’s Comet browser is accessing user accounts “without authorization” from the retail giant.
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Amazon filed a lawsuit against Perplexity in November, alleging that it “repeatedly asked” the artificial intelligence startup to stop allowing its agents to buy products for customers. The company accused Perplexity of “invading” the marketplace and user accounts with its Comet shopping feature, violating computer fraud and abuse laws.
Amazon also alleged that Perplexity attempted to “cover up” the activities of its agents by “falsely presenting the Comet browser as Google Chrome.”
Under the temporary order, Perplexity must not access Amazon using its AI agents and must destroy any data from Amazon that it may have obtained. The temporary order will be in effect for seven days to allow Perplexity time to appeal.
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In a statement to Bloomberg, Amazon spokeswoman Lara Hendricksonsaid the ruling “will prevent Perplexity from gaining unauthorized access to the Amazon store,” adding that the company looks forward to “continuing to present its case in court.” Meanwhile, Perplexity spokesperson Jesse Dwyertold The Verge that the startup “will continue to fight for the right of internet users to choose whatever artificial intelligence they want.”
This case highlights the growing tensions between large tech companies and startups developing innovative artificial intelligence solutions. Amazon, as one of the largest e‑commerce platforms in the world, has every reason to protect its ecosystem from unauthorized interventions. On the other hand, Perplexity argues that internet users should have the freedom to choose the AI tools they want, without restrictions from large companies.
This decision could have significant implications for the future of AI agents and their use in e-commerce platforms. While AI agents offer convenience and automation to shopping processes, unauthorized access to personal accounts and data remains a critical security and privacy issue.
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The evolution of this case will be closely monitored by the tech community, as it may determine how large companies and startups will cooperate or clash in the future for the development and deployment of artificial intelligence.
