Walmart rolls out AI agent shopping features while Amazon tries to curb the tech

Walmart is introducing two new tools designed to simplify the process of AI agent shopping, according to Bloomberg. These tools are intended to provide consumers with greater control over their bots and increase their accuracy. Walmart's initiative stands in contrast to Amazon's stance, which recently prohibited Meta's AI agent, Muse, from accessing its platform, citing violations of Amazon's usage policies.

Amazon has also taken a hard line against other third-party agents, including initiating legal action against Perplexity and imposing restrictions on agents from Google and OpenAI. Walmart's move is aimed at enhancing the user experience when using AI agents for shopping purposes. The company stated that the introduction of these tools is part of a broader effort to build connections, permissions, and options that align with how customers wish to utilize these technologies.

Walmart emphasized that the gateway protects customer information, sharing only the necessary data for transaction completion, such as preferences like a favorite laundry detergent brand, without disclosing the user's complete purchase history. Additionally, Walmart outlined specific terms and conditions for AI agents engaged in shopping activities, reaffirming its commitment to honoring the standard returns policy and ensuring that agents view pricing identical to what a human would see on Walmart.com.