AI retail battle erupts: Amazon blocks Meta’s AI shopping assistant

Amazon is denying Muse, Meta’s new AI assistant, access to its online store. The conflict highlights how tech giants are battling for the (virtual) shopper, but it also poses a threat of fragmentation for consumers and merchants alike.

Battle for the robot customer

In early September, Meta launched Muse, an AI assistant capable of performing tasks independently, including online shopping and payments. But not on Amazon: Since Sunday, users who try to use Muse on Amazon.com have been receiving a warning that an “unauthorized AI agent” is violating the terms of service, according to GeekWire.