Retailers block AI shopping agents, limiting price comparisons and purchases

AI shopping agents are arriving faster than retailers are willing to accommodate them. Major platforms such as Amazon, Target and some travel providers block or restrict agents, making it difficult for them to reliably compare products or complete purchases; this limits the convenience their makers promise and gives retailers control over how customers shop.

In tests, Meta’s Muse agent was sometimes stopped by Target’s bot checks and sometimes allowed through, and it suggested granola bars from a retailer that would not deliver to the user’s address. Amazon blocked Muse from browsing, so it could not confirm whether Amazon had the cheapest option. Target says its safeguards protect customer data and prevent unauthorised agents from accessing accounts or making transactions, while some existing bot defences can also disrupt agents inconsistently.