Amazon’s new AI-powered shopping tool has drawn criticism from online retailers who say their products were listed on the platform without permission.

The company is testing “Shop Direct,” which lets US users browse and buy products from other retailers’ websites on Amazon, sometimes using an AI agent called “Buy for Me” to complete purchases on customers’ behalf.

Some small businesses, including stationery shops Hitchcock Paper and Bobo Design Studio, said they began receiving unexpected orders from Amazon’s agent, despite not opting into the program.

Several retailers reported that Amazon listed products they did not sell or that were out of stock, prompting complaints on social media and direct requests for removal.

Amazon said businesses can opt out at any time, and product data is taken from publicly available website information.

🔗 Source: CNBC

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