eBay Blocks Use of AI ‘Buy-For-Me’ Agents
eBay Blocks Use of AI ‘Buy-For-Me’ Agents
https://www.pymnts.com/artificial-intelligence-2/2026/ebay-blocks-use-of-ai-buy-for-me-agents/
Publish Date: 2026-01-27 06:42:00
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.
