Amazon Blocks AI Shopping Agents While Walmart Welcomes Them

Imagine telling your AI assistant to restock the pantry, and it simply goes and does it. That future is arriving faster than many expected, and the world’s two biggest retailers have chosen opposite paths. Walmart has launched tools that let AI shopping agents buy on customers’ behalf, while Amazon is blocking outside agents from its site. The split is the clearest sign yet that agentic commerce, where AI does the shopping for you, is becoming a real battleground. Here is what each company is doing, why, and what it means for shoppers.

What Walmart Announced

On 21 October, Walmart launched an Agent Gateway, a system that lets approved AI agents connect to Walmart and its Sam’s Club warehouse stores, search inventory and make purchases for customers, as TechCrunch reported. It works through the Model Context Protocol, an emerging standard that helps AI agents connect to outside tools and services.

Walmart also introduced special terms for AI agents, setting out how they must behave and what they are allowed to do. Agents that do not follow the rules will be blocked.

Agent Profiles and spending controls

Within the next month, Walmart plans to launch Agent Profiles. Customers will be able to register each AI assistant they use as a separate profile within their Walmart account, so purchases made by an agent appear separately from their own. Walmart compared it to adding an authorised user to a credit card, according to AFP’s report.

Safety features include spending controls and transaction approvals. Walmart’s normal returns process applies even if an agent does not act as intended, and agents cannot access payment details or act beyond what shoppers allow. Walmart already works with AI apps including Meta’s Muse, ChatGPT and Gemini.

Why Amazon Is Blocking Agents

Amazon has taken a much harder line. It blocks third-party shopping agents while promoting its own AI tools, such as Alexa for Shopping and its Buy for Me feature. Last month, it blocked Meta’s Muse agent, showing users a notice that unauthorised AI agents violate its conditions of use. Amazon also sued Perplexity in November 2025, accusing its Comet browser agent of making purchases on Amazon without permission.

Analysts see a business reason behind the stance. Amazon runs one of the world’s largest advertising businesses, built on shoppers browsing its pages. If outside AI agents do the browsing, people see fewer sponsored products and ads, and Amazon loses control over the shopping experience.

Two Very Different Bets

The contrast reflects two views of the future. Walmart is betting that welcoming AI agents will win customers who increasingly shop through assistants. Amazon is betting that keeping control of its marketplace, and steering shoppers toward its own AI tools, protects its business. Some travel and booking sites have also shut AI agents out entirely, which makes Walmart’s open approach stand out.

What It Means for Shoppers

AI shopping agents could save time on routine purchases, compare prices quickly and handle reorders. They also bring new risks. A few habits help:

• Set firm spending limits and require approval for purchases above a set amount.
• Check orders regularly, especially when you first start using an agent.
• Use trusted platforms that offer clear returns and protections.
• Watch for scams, since fake shopping assistants and phishing links often appear around popular new technology.

Walmart does not operate stores in Australia, but the same debate is coming to every major retailer. Phone-based scam protection is improving too, as our guide to iOS 27’s scam protection explains. For more on the AI agents involved, see our explainer on Meta’s Muse Wonder. Our what are AI agents guide covers the basics.

The Checkout Is Changing

The split between Walmart and Amazon shows that AI shopping is no longer a distant idea. Retailers are choosing sides now, and their choices will shape how millions of people buy everyday items. If you try an AI shopping agent, start small, set clear limits and keep a close eye on what it buys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can AI agents shop on Walmart now?

Walmart launched its Agent Gateway on 21 October, with Agent Profiles due within the next month.

Why does Amazon block AI agents?

It says unauthorised agents breach its conditions of use, and analysts point to the importance of its advertising business.

Are AI shopping agents safe?

They can be, with the right controls. Spending limits, approvals and trusted platforms reduce the risk.

Will this come to Australia?

Walmart is not in Australia, but local retailers will face the same choice as AI shopping grows.