Judge Orders Perplexity to Stop Using AI Browser for Amazon Shopping

Gavel striking down on laptop screen showing AI shopping assistant

A U.S. federal judge has issued a preliminary ruling ordering Perplexity AI to immediately stop using its Comet web browser to make purchases on Amazon on behalf of users. The judge also ordered Perplexity to destroy copies of Amazon’s data.

The Ruling

Judge Maxine Chesney found that Amazon provided “strong evidence” that Perplexity’s Comet browser accessed Amazon’s website “without authorization,” despite acting at the user’s direction. The ruling includes a weeklong stay to allow Perplexity to appeal. The case highlights the escalating battle between AI companies and traditional e-commerce platforms over who controls the shopping experience.

What Is Comet?

Comet is Perplexity’s AI-powered web browser that can autonomously browse websites and make purchases on behalf of users. Think of it as an AI shopping assistant that actually clicks buttons, fills in forms, and completes transactions — essentially automating the entire online shopping experience. Amazon argued that this constitutes unauthorized access to its platform.

Perplexity’s Response

Perplexity has pushed back against the ruling, stating it will “fight for the right of internet users to choose whatever AI they want.” The company argues that its browser is simply acting as an agent for the user, doing exactly what the user would do manually — just faster and more efficiently. This framing sets up a fundamental legal question about whether AI agents have the same right to access websites as the humans they represent.

Broader Implications

The case has significant implications for the entire AI industry. If courts ultimately rule that AI agents cannot access websites on behalf of users, it could severely limit the capabilities of AI assistants, shopping bots, and automated browsing tools. On the other hand, if platforms cannot control AI access, they may lose the ability to manage their user experience and data.

The Bottom Line

The Perplexity vs. Amazon case is a preview of a much larger battle to come. As AI agents become more capable of acting autonomously on the web, the legal framework governing their access to websites and services will need to be completely rethought. For now, the courts are siding with platform owners — but Perplexity’s appeal could change the game.