AI agents from OpenAI, Meta, Google, and others are being blocked by major websites including Amazon, Yelp, Delta Air Lines, JPMorgan Chase, and Charles Schwab, limiting their ability to perform tasks online. Yelp allows only AI agents that pay for its data licensing program, while Delta prohibits booking flights through AI assistants. JPMorgan Chase and Charles Schwab have restricted access due to security concerns, and users report issues with Cars.com and Amtrak, suggesting broader quiet restrictions. Amazon previously sued AI startup Perplexity over its shopping feature, claiming violations of site policies, though an appeals court overturned a ban in August. Amazon has since filed an amended complaint. Meta's Muse assistant was recently blocked by Amazon for violating site rules, and similar access problems have been reported for xAI's Grok and OpenAI's Dots. Elon Musk suggested creating a competitor to Amazon over the dispute. Some Google accounts using Muse have been flagged for "suspicious activity," and Walmart checkouts have failed despite Meta's partnership with the retailer. Chris Canal, CEO of AI safety evaluator EquiStamp, said restrictions reduce the perceived value of AI agents, challenging claims they can do anything humans do online. The Verge contacted OpenAI and Google for comment but received no immediate response. Anti-bot systems not designed specifically to block AI may still interfere with agent functions, complicating widespread adoption.
The growing number of websites blocking AI agents undermines claims that these tools can fully act on users' behalf online. If major platforms continue restricting access, the practical utility of AI assistants will remain limited regardless of technological advances.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
