From The Verge · Emma Roth · · 1m 20s
Walmart opens doors to AI shopping agents
Walmart will let AI agents shop on its site next month, setting it apart from Amazon's ban on the technology.
In brief
Walmart will let AI agents shop on its site next month, setting it apart from Amazon's ban on the technology. Walmart will launch AI agent shopping next month with approval controls and spending limits, contrasting with Amazon's decision to block such agents. Originally reported by The Verge.
Walmart welcomes AI shopping agents
Walmart will let AI agents shop on its website starting next month. Customers can approve purchases, set spending limits, and review what agents buy separately.
Amazon takes opposite approach
Amazon blocked Perplexity's shopping agent and Meta's Muse AI assistant. Walmart is opening its doors to AI shoppers, creating a stark contrast between the two retailers.
Walmart sets strict agent rules
Walmart outlined terms for agents: they must not take actions beyond what the shopper intends and cannot change payment methods. Agents can only access information needed to complete their task.
“agents must not take actions beyond what the shopper intends”
Agent Gateway protects customer data
Walmart built an Agent Gateway using the Model Context Protocol, an open standard for AI agents. This prevents agents from accessing shopping history while helping them find usual items.
Service extends to Sam's Club
Walmart will let users shop with AI agents on Sam's Club as well. The Agent Gateway is currently available in beta on Walmart's platform.
In short
Walmart will launch AI agent shopping next month with approval controls and spending limits, contrasting with Amazon's decision to block such agents.
