Amazon wins court order to block Perplexity's AI shopping agent

In a significant legal development, Amazon has successfully obtained a temporary injunction against the startup Perplexity, effectively blocking its Comet AI browser from accessing Amazon’s website. This ruling comes after Amazon filed a lawsuit against Perplexity in November, alleging that the startup took steps to conceal its AI shopping agents in order to scrape data from Amazon’s platform without authorization.

Background of the Case

The lawsuit was initiated by Amazon in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. According to court documents, Amazon accused Perplexity of using deceptive practices to allow its AI agents to access Amazon’s website, which is against the company’s policies. The Comet AI browser developed by Perplexity enables users to search for products on Amazon and make purchases directly through the AI interface.

Judicial Ruling

On March 10, 2026, U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney ruled in favor of Amazon, stating that the company had presented “strong evidence” that Perplexity’s Comet browser was accessing its website at the direction of users, but without authorization. Judge Chesney noted that Amazon had provided “essentially undisputed evidence” that it incurred significant costs—over $5,000—while attempting to block unauthorized access by Comet. This included the development of new tools to protect its private customer data and prevent future breaches.

Implications for Amazon

Amazon’s spokesperson, Maxine Tagay, expressed that the preliminary injunction is a crucial step in maintaining a “trusted shopping experience” for its customers. The company emphasized the importance of safeguarding customer data and ensuring that its advertising business is not compromised by automated traffic generated by AI systems. Amazon’s complaint highlighted that AI agents could pose security risks by accessing protected systems and private accounts, potentially leading to unauthorized transactions.

Perplexity’s Response

In response to the court ruling, Perplexity criticized the lawsuit as a “bully tactic.” The startup argued that it is fighting for the rights of internet users to choose their preferred AI tools for shopping. Perplexity has stated its intention to appeal the court’s decision, which includes a one-week stay to allow for this process.

Challenges Faced by Amazon

Amazon’s lawsuit outlines several challenges posed by Perplexity’s AI agents. One of the key issues is the impact on Amazon’s advertising business. When AI systems generate ad traffic, Amazon must implement modifications to its advertising systems to detect and filter out this automated traffic before billing advertisers. This requires additional resources and adaptations to maintain contractual obligations with advertisers, who are only willing to pay for legitimate human impressions.

Amazon’s Broader Strategy

In light of the ongoing challenges posed by AI agents, Amazon has taken proactive measures to secure its shopping platforms. The company has implemented restrictions to block numerous AI agents, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Additionally, Amazon is investing in its own AI tools, such as Rufus, a shopping assistant integrated into its website and app, to enhance customer experience while maintaining control over its platform.

Conclusion

The legal battle between Amazon and Perplexity highlights the growing tension between e-commerce giants and AI startups. As AI technology continues to evolve, companies like Amazon are faced with the challenge of protecting their business models and customer data while navigating the complexities of innovation and competition in the digital marketplace.

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Note: This article is based on information available as of March 2026 and may be subject to updates as the legal situation evolves.