Amazon and Perplexity Clash Over AI-Powered Shopping Browser
Key Points
- Amazon requests Perplexity stop enabling Comet AI browser to buy on Amazon.
- Perplexity labels Amazon's demand an aggressive legal threat and accuses bullying.
- Comet’s AI feature can locate and purchase products across multiple sites, including Amazon.
- Amazon claims Comet provides a significantly degraded shopping experience.
- Perplexity argues the AI assistant could increase transactions and improve customer satisfaction.
- Amazon CEO Andy Jassy previously noted plans to partner with third‑party agents.
- Spokesperson Jesse Dwyer compares the AI shopper to a store‑employed sales associate.
- The dispute highlights differing views on AI integration in e‑commerce.
Amazon has demanded that Perplexity stop allowing its Comet AI browser to purchase items on the retailer’s site, labeling the feature a degraded shopping experience. Perplexity responded by accusing Amazon of bullying and citing an aggressive legal threat, arguing that the AI‑driven tool could make shopping easier and boost sales. The dispute highlights differing views on third‑party AI agents in e‑commerce, with Amazon’s leadership emphasizing selective partnerships while Perplexity defends its agentic technology as a legitimate personal shopper.
Background of the Dispute
Perplexity’s AI‑driven browser, called Comet, includes a feature that can locate and buy products across multiple online stores, including Amazon, on behalf of users. The company promotes the capability as an “agentic AI” that streamlines the purchasing process.
Amazon’s Position
Amazon announced that it has repeatedly asked Perplexity to cease allowing its Comet browser to facilitate purchases on Amazon’s platform. In a statement, Amazon argued that third‑party applications that initiate purchases must respect the retailer’s decisions about participation. The company further claimed that Comet’s shopping experience is “significantly degraded” compared with the standard Amazon experience.
Perplexity’s Response
Perplexity countered by describing Amazon’s demand as an “aggressive legal threat” and accused the e‑commerce giant of bullying. The startup asserted that the AI‑assistant aligns with Amazon’s own interests, noting that easier shopping could generate more transactions and happier customers. Perplexity also referenced a comment from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy about the company’s intent to “partner with third‑party agents” over time.
Public Statements
Spokesperson Jesse Dwyer for Perplexity likened the situation to a personal shopper employed by the store, emphasizing that such a role is more akin to a sales associate than an independent shopper. The company maintained that its technology should be welcomed rather than restricted.
Implications for the Industry
The clash underscores a broader tension in the e‑commerce sector regarding the integration of AI agents that can act on behalf of consumers. While retailers like Amazon seek to control the shopping experience, AI startups argue that their tools enhance convenience and could benefit both shoppers and merchants.