Perplexity AI has publicly accused Amazon of “bullying” following the receipt of a cease-and-desist letter demanding that the startup restrict its AI-powered browser, Comet, from facilitating purchases on Amazon’s platform. The letter, described by Perplexity as “an aggressive legal threat,” challenges the company’s innovative approach to online shopping, which allows users to utilize Comet’s AI assistant for purchasing items directly from Amazon.
The conflict centers around Perplexity’s Comet, which enhances the shopping experience by enabling users to ask the AI assistant for product recommendations and making purchases on their behalf. According to Perplexity, users have responded positively, enjoying the ease of navigating e-commerce through this AI technology. However, Amazon has taken a firm stance against the use of its services by external AI agents, asserting that Perplexity’s actions violate legal boundaries.
In the cease-and-desist letter, Amazon’s legal team accused Perplexity of committing computer fraud by failing to disclose when its AI agents act on behalf of users. The correspondence stated, “As should already be clear given Amazon’s prior efforts and communications with Perplexity, Perplexity does not have authorization to access Amazon’s store, Amazon user accounts, or account details, using its disguised or obscured Comet AI agents.”
Amazon’s Efforts to Control AI Access
This issue is not isolated; Amazon has previously implemented measures to block external AI agents from accessing its platform. In recent months, the company has taken steps to prevent AI crawlers developed by major players like OpenAI, Google, and Meta from interacting with its website, indicating a broader strategy to control how its services are accessed and utilized.
Perplexity’s blog post argues that Amazon should welcome the convenience that Comet provides, suggesting that it could lead to increased transactions and happier customers. The company criticized Amazon for allegedly prioritizing advertising revenue over user experience, stating that the online retail giant appears more focused on driving ad sales and upselling products than enhancing customer satisfaction.
In response, Amazon contends that Perplexity’s AI agents could diminish the shopping experience by failing to offer personalized recommendations and not showcasing the fastest shipping options available. Amazon emphasized the importance of consent in the operation of third-party shopping agents, suggesting that companies like Perplexity should adhere to a model that respects the decisions of service providers.
Amazon’s Own AI Developments
Despite its efforts to limit the influence of external AI tools, Amazon has been actively developing its own AI technologies. The company recently introduced a shopping chatbot named Rufus and an agent called “Buy For Me,” which allows users to purchase products from other websites without navigating away from the Amazon app. These developments illustrate Amazon’s commitment to integrating AI into its services while maintaining control over the user experience.
During a recent earnings call, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy noted that the company is open to partnerships with third-party AI agents, provided that they align with Amazon’s standards for customer satisfaction. He underscored the necessity of preserving a positive shopping experience amidst the evolving landscape of e-commerce and AI technology.
As this situation unfolds, the implications for both Perplexity AI and Amazon could be significant. The outcome of this dispute may not only impact how Comet operates but could also set precedents for how e-commerce platforms interact with emerging AI technologies in the future.