The tech world just got a new showdown! amazon has raised red flags over Perplexity AI’s shopping bot “Comet”, asking the AI search startup to stop using it on the amazon platform. Here’s a breakdown of what’s really happening — and why it matters for the future of AI-driven shopping.
🛰️ 1. Meet Comet — The AI Shopping Assistant That Caused a Stir
Perplexity’s Comet is designed as an AI-powered shopping bot that can search, compare, and even make purchases for users.
The idea? Simplify online shopping by letting AI handle product searches and checkouts. But this futuristic convenience quickly ran into real-world policy problems.
🚫 2. amazon Says “Stop!” — The Bot Broke the Rules
Amazon reportedly asked Perplexity to cease using Comet on its site.
The reason: Comet wasn’t identifying itself as a bot while placing orders or browsing, which violates Amazon’s automated access and purchasing policies.
Amazon strictly prohibits bots that mimic human behavior without disclosure — a rule designed to protect both customers and platform integrity.
🧩 3. What Exactly Did Comet Do Wrong?
According to amazon, Comet’s actions fell under “undisclosed automated activity.”
That means it was:
· Accessing Amazon’s marketplace without permission
· Making requests as if it were a human user
· Possibly scraping data or performing transactions without transparency
While Perplexity likely intended Comet to make shopping more efficient, the lack of clear disclosure triggered Amazon’s compliance alarms.
⚖️ 4. The Rules Behind the Rift
Amazon’s Terms of Service clearly state that:
“Automated tools, bots, or scripts accessing or interacting with amazon without express permission are prohibited.”
So even if Comet was harmless in intent, failing to identify itself as a bot is considered a policy violation. amazon is known to enforce this rule strictly, even against large companies.
🤖 5. Perplexity’s Position — Innovation or Interference?
Perplexity, known for its AI-powered search and chat tools, has not issued a detailed public response yet.
However, the company is positioning itself as a direct competitor to traditional search and e-commerce experiences — using AI to find the best deals and recommendations.
This clash could shape how AI startups collaborate (or collide) with major tech ecosystems.
💥 6. Why This Fight Matters for the Future of AI Shopping
The Amazon–Perplexity conflict raises bigger questions:
· How transparent should AI agents be when acting on behalf of users?
· Can platforms restrict AI from using their data or services?
· Who controls the future of AI-assisted e-commerce — big platforms or independent innovators?
The outcome could set important precedents for AI integration in online marketplaces worldwide.
🛒 7. Final Takeaway: The Age of “Shopping Bots” Has Begun
While Comet may have hit a temporary roadblock, it’s clear that AI-driven shopping assistants are here to stay.
The tension between innovation and platform control will likely define the next wave of online retail.
🚀 One thing’s for sure — the Comet may have crashed, but it’s lit up a new debate in the AI universe.
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