Court Ruling Prevents Perplexity’s AI Agents from Making Purchases on Amazon

A federal judge has issued a ruling that prevents Perplexity’s web browser-based AI agents from making purchases on Amazon’s platform for users. In a decision made on Monday, US District Judge Maxine Chesney noted that Amazon has presented “strong evidence” indicating that Perplexity’s Comet browser accesses user accounts “without authorization” from the retail giant.

Amazon filed a lawsuit against Perplexity in November, claiming that the AI company “repeatedly requested” it cease allowing its agents to buy products on behalf of customers. The lawsuit accused Perplexity of “intruding” into its marketplace and user accounts through the Comet browser’s shopping feature, which allegedly violates computer fraud and abuse laws. Additionally, Amazon alleged that Perplexity tried to “conceal” its activities by misrepresenting the Comet browser as Google Chrome.

As part of the preliminary injunction, Perplexity is prohibited from accessing Amazon with its AI agents and must delete any data obtained from Amazon. This injunction will take effect in seven days, giving Perplexity time to appeal.

In a statement, an Amazon spokesperson expressed that the ruling “will prevent Perplexity’s unauthorized access to the Amazon store,” and the company is eager to continue its case in court. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Perplexity stated that the startup “will continue to fight for the right of internet users to choose whatever AI they want.”