Amazon has publicly objected to the use of its platform by Perplexity AI, a startup whose Comet browser uses AI to shop on behalf of users. In a statement released Tuesday, Amazon said it has repeatedly asked Perplexity to stop using its automated agent to purchase items on the retail giant’s site, arguing that the tool violates its policies and creates a poor customer experience.
Perplexity’s Comet browser offers an AI-powered shopping assistant that can browse products across multiple websites, including Amazon, and place orders for users. Amazon has responded with what Perplexity describes as an “aggressive legal threat”, demanding that the company block its agent from making purchases through the site.
Amazon defended its stance by stating that third-party tools like Comet must respect whether or not a service wants to be part of their system. The company argued that Comet results in a “significantly degraded shopping and customer service experience” for users.
“Amazon Should Love This”: Perplexity
In response, Perplexity has accused Amazon of trying to control customer behavior and limit third-party innovation. The startup claims that its AI assistant simplifies shopping, increases conversions, and benefits both users and retailers. In a blog post, Perplexity criticized Amazon for prioritizing ads, upsells, and sponsored results over a frictionless shopping experience.
“Amazon should love this,” the post reads. “Easier shopping means more transactions and happier customers. But Amazon doesn’t care.”
Perplexity also pointed to recent comments from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, who said during an earnings call that the company expects to “partner with third-party agents” in the future. A Perplexity spokesperson likened Amazon’s stance to forcing customers to use in-house sales staff, instead of independent personal shoppers, arguing that the company is limiting consumer choice.
