eBay Blocks Use of AI ‘Buy-For-Me’ Agents

Source Domain: www.pymnts.com

eBay has updated its terms of service to ban third-party “buy-for-me” agents and AI chatbots from interacting with the platform without permission, with the ban taking effect on Feb. 20.
The new policy forbids the use of automated means to place orders without human intervention, specifically targeting buy-for-me agents and AI-driven bots.
This update is a step towards protecting eBay’s direct relationship with consumers and maintaining control over data that enhances conversions and loyalty, similar to Amazon’s approach to blocking third-party AI shopping tools.
Amazon has countered this trend by investing heavily in its own AI technology, including developing its own shopping chatbot and experimental purchasing agents.
eBay has also been making big strides in AI integration, deploying tools that enhance customer service through AI-driven messaging assistants and showcasing AI’s transformative impact on their platform.

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