Judge Blocks Perplexity AI Agents from Shopping on Amazon
Key Points
- U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney issued a preliminary injunction against Perplexity’s AI agents.
- The injunction stops the Comet browser from placing orders on Amazon.
- Judge found Amazon’s evidence of unauthorized access compelling.
- Perplexity must cease Amazon access and delete any collected data.
- The order becomes effective in seven days, permitting an appeal.
- Amazon praised the decision as a safeguard against unauthorized activity.
- Perplexity vowed to continue defending user choice in AI services.
A U.S. district judge issued a preliminary injunction that bars Perplexity’s Comet browser‑based AI agents from placing orders on Amazon. The court found Amazon’s evidence that the agents accessed user accounts without permission compelling, and ordered Perplexity to cease any such activity and delete any Amazon data it may have collected. Both companies issued statements, with Amazon welcoming the decision and Perplexity pledging to continue fighting for user choice in AI services.
Court Order Halts AI‑Driven Purchases
A federal judge has issued an order blocking Perplexity’s web‑browser‑based AI agents from placing Amazon orders on a user’s behalf. In the ruling, U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney wrote that Amazon had provided strong evidence that Perplexity’s Comet browser accessed user accounts “without authorization.”
Background of the Lawsuit
Amazon sued Perplexity in November, alleging that the startup repeatedly ignored requests to stop letting its agents buy products for customers. The complaint accused Perplexity of intruding into Amazon’s marketplace and user accounts, violating computer fraud and abuse laws, and attempting to conceal its activities by misrepresenting the Comet browser as Google Chrome.
Terms of the Injunction
The preliminary injunction requires Perplexity to refrain from accessing Amazon using its AI agents and to destroy any data it may have obtained from the retailer. The order will take effect in seven days, allowing Perplexity time to appeal.
Reactions from Both Companies
Amazon spokesperson Lara Hendrickson said the ruling “will prevent Perplexity’s unauthorized access to the Amazon store,” adding that the company looks forward to “continuing to make our case in court.” Perplexity spokesperson Jesse Dwyer responded that the startup “will continue to fight for the right of internet users to choose whatever AI they want.” An update later added Amazon’s statement to the report.