Perplexity accuses Amazon of “bullying” as its AI browser faces legal threat

Comet browser

A new spat has erupted between Amazon and AI startup Perplexity over how far artificial intelligence should go in online shopping.

Amazon has objected to Perplexity’s use of its AI browser, Comet, to buy products directly from its platform, claiming it violates the company’s rules and creates a poor shopping experience. In a statement on Tuesday, Amazon said it had “repeatedly requested” that Perplexity stop enabling automated purchases and accused the startup of not respecting its service provider policies.

Comet, Perplexity’s agentic AI feature, can search for and purchase items across multiple retail sites — including Amazon — on a user’s behalf. But according to Perplexity, Amazon has now issued what it calls an “aggressive legal threat” demanding that the practice stop. The startup fired back, accusing Amazon of “bullying” and prioritising advertising and upselling over user convenience.

“Amazon should love this. Easier shopping means more transactions and happier customers,” Perplexity said in a post. “But Amazon doesn’t care. They’re more interested in serving you ads, sponsored results, and influencing your purchasing decisions with upsells and confusing offers.”

Perplexity also pointed to comments from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy during last week’s earnings call, where he said the company expects to “partner with third-party agents” over time. The startup’s spokesperson, Jesse Dwyer, compared Amazon’s position to “a store that only allows you to hire a personal shopper who works for the store.”

Amazon, however, defended its stance, arguing that third-party apps should “respect decisions whether or not to participate” and that Comet currently offers a “significantly degraded shopping and customer service experience.”