Why websites are closing doors to AI agents—and what it means for AI users
Popular services restrict agents
Companies including OpenAI, Meta and Google have promoted agents that can handle online tasks such as booking reservations, managing email and shopping. But users of Meta’s Muse, xAI’s Grok, OpenAI’s Dots and Instinct have reported problems accessing major websites.
Yelp told TechCrunch it permits agents only through its data licensing program. Delta Air Lines prevents agents from booking tickets for users, while JPMorgan Chase and Charles Schwab have confirmed blocking agents from account access over security concerns. Users have also reported losing access to Cars.com and Amtrak.
Amazon dispute continues
Amazon banned Perplexity’s agentic shopping feature last year and sued the startup. Amazon said it had repeatedly asked Perplexity to stop, arguing that companies buying items for customers should respect a service provider’s decision about whether to participate.
Perplexity argued that its agent acted as an extension of the user and said Amazon wanted to protect advertising revenue. A judge later ordered Perplexity to stop its agents from shopping on Amazon, but an appeals court overturned that ruling in August. Amazon has since filed an amended complaint.
Access affects usefulness
Amazon has also said Meta’s Muse violates its site policies, and reports indicate that agents from xAI, Instinct and OpenAI have struggled to use the retailer’s website. Elon Musk responded that he might start a competitor to Amazon. Agents may also run into anti-bot systems even when a website has not explicitly banned them.
EquiStamp CEO Chris Canal said website restrictions could weaken the perceived value of AI companies because they limit what agents can do online. Meta said that rejecting a personal agent also means rejecting the customer behind it, and said it would rather work with businesses. The company has partnered with Walmart, Gap, Sephora and Best Buy to let Muse shop on their sites.
Key points
- Yelp limits AI agents to participants in its data licensing program.
- Delta Air Lines blocks agents from booking tickets for users.
- JPMorgan Chase and Charles Schwab cite security concerns in blocking account access.
- Meta has partnered with several retailers to let Muse shop on their sites.