Key Highlights
- A U.S. federal court has temporarily blocked Perplexity AI from using its AI shopping bot to make purchases on Amazon.
- The ruling comes after Amazon accused the startup of accessing user accounts without the platform’s authorization.
- The case could shape future legal rules for AI agents performing tasks like online shopping.
A U.S. federal court has temporarily ordered artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI to stop using its automated browser tool to make purchases on behalf of users from Amazon’s online marketplace. The decision represents an early legal test for AI-powered agents designed to perform complex tasks for internet users.
The ruling was issued by Maxine Chesney, a district judge presiding in federal court in San Francisco. According to the order, Perplexity must halt the activities of its Comet web browser agent, which had been interacting with Amazon’s platform to place orders for users.
The injunction is temporary and will remain in effect while the court considers the broader legal questions surrounding automated AI tools that operate across third-party websites.
Amazon’s Claims Against the AI Startup
Amazon filed the lawsuit in November, accusing the AI company of committing computer fraud by allowing its tool to access Amazon’s systems without permission. The e-commerce giant argued that Perplexity’s automated browser agent could enter password-protected user accounts and conduct shopping actions without authorization from Amazon itself.
In her ruling, Judge Chesney noted that Amazon had presented strong evidence suggesting the AI system was accessing accounts with permission from the user but not from the company that operates the platform.
Amazon welcomed the court’s decision, stating that it helps protect its marketplace and customer trust. Company spokesperson Lara Hendrickson said the injunction prevents unauthorized access to Amazon’s systems and represents an important step in maintaining a reliable and secure shopping experience.
Court Restrictions and Possible Appeal
Under the court order, Perplexity must stop accessing restricted areas of Amazon’s platform, including sections tied to Prime subscriber accounts. The company has also been directed to delete any copies of Amazon data that may have been collected through the automated tool.
However, enforcement of the ruling has been paused for one week to allow the AI startup time to file an appeal.
In a statement, Perplexity said it intends to continue challenging the decision, emphasizing that internet users should have the freedom to choose whichever AI tools they prefer to assist them online.
Broader Implications for AI-Driven Shopping
The legal clash highlights a growing debate over AI agents that can search the web, book services, and make purchases for users. As these tools become more advanced, courts are being asked to define how they can interact with existing online platforms.
Analysts warn that widespread AI shopping assistants could disrupt the $350 billion U.S. digital advertising market, where retailers pay for visibility in search results. Amazon, which generated $68.6 billion in ad revenue in 2025, illustrates how valuable this ecosystem is. Notably, Jeff Bezos has invested in Perplexity, an AI company valued at about $20 billion that aims to reshape web search.
The case’s outcome could shape how AI technologies interact with major online platforms in the future.