Perplexity AI accuses Amazon of bullying with legal threat over Comet browser

Perplexity AI has raised serious allegations against Amazon, claiming that the tech giant is engaging in intimidation tactics following a legal warning regarding its Comet browser. The dispute arose when Amazon issued a letter demanding that Perplexity halt the use of its AI-powered browser for making purchases on the e-commerce platform. In a recent blog post, Perplexity AI expressed its commitment to enhancing user experiences, stating that consumers enjoy using the Comet Assistant to discover items and facilitate purchases on Amazon. However, the company reported receiving what it described as an "aggressive legal threat" from Amazon, which insisted on the cessation of this practice. Amazon has been proactive in restricting external AI agents from accessing its website, a strategy that has included measures against technologies developed by other major players like OpenAI, Google, and Meta. Perplexity AI criticized Amazon's approach, stating, "Amazon should welcome this innovation; easier shopping translates to more transactions and satisfied customers. Instead, they seem focused on ad placements, sponsored results, and manipulating customer choices with upsells and convoluted offers." As Amazon works to limit external AI tools, it simultaneously advances its own AI initiatives. In February, the company introduced a shopping chatbot named Rufus, designed to answer inquiries and recommend products. Additionally, in April, Amazon began testing a feature called "Buy For Me," allowing users to purchase items from other websites while remaining in its app. Perplexity AI is renowned for its AI-driven search engine that provides users with straightforward answers and links to the original sources. The company first launched the Comet browser in July, making it available to users worldwide for free in October. The Comet browser aims to function as a personal assistant capable of web searching, tab organization, online shopping, email drafting, and more.