Court Order Halts AI‑Driven Purchases

A federal judge has issued an order blocking Perplexity’s web‑browser‑based AI agents from placing Amazon orders on a user’s behalf. In the ruling, U.S. District Judge Maxine Chesney wrote that Amazon had provided strong evidence that Perplexity’s Comet browser accessed user accounts “without authorization.”

Background of the Lawsuit

Amazon sued Perplexity in November, alleging that the startup repeatedly ignored requests to stop letting its agents buy products for customers. The complaint accused Perplexity of intruding into Amazon’s marketplace and user accounts, violating computer fraud and abuse laws, and attempting to conceal its activities by misrepresenting the Comet browser as Google Chrome.

Terms of the Injunction

The preliminary injunction requires Perplexity to refrain from accessing Amazon using its AI agents and to destroy any data it may have obtained from the retailer. The order will take effect in seven days, allowing Perplexity time to appeal.

Reactions from Both Companies

Amazon spokesperson Lara Hendrickson said the ruling “will prevent Perplexity’s unauthorized access to the Amazon store,” adding that the company looks forward to “continuing to make our case in court.” Perplexity spokesperson Jesse Dwyer responded that the startup “will continue to fight for the right of internet users to choose whatever AI they want.” An update later added Amazon’s statement to the report.

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