While Amazon blocks AI agents, Walmart is embracing them.
Next month, the retail giant will allow users to connect their own AI agents to its website. The system will let shoppers approve and review purchases while establishing spending limits.
This approach stands in contrast to Amazon, which recently blocked Perplexity’s shopping agent and Meta’s Muse AI assistant. However, Walmart is opening its platform to AI shoppers, provided they adhere to strict guidelines. The retailer has established terms requiring agents to refrain from actions beyond the shopper's intent and preventing them from altering payment methods. Furthermore, agents are restricted to accessing only the information necessary to complete their tasks, with Walmart promising to block any agents that violate these rules.
Agents will integrate through new "Agent Profiles" on the platform. By default, Walmart requires approval for all AI agent purchases, though users can authorize agents to shop within a set budget, such as up to $100. Shoppers can also review their agent's specific purchases within this profile and disable the agent at any time.
The retailer has developed an "Agent Gateway" that utilizes the Model Context Protocol, an open standard for connecting AI agents to web services. Walmart asserts that this gateway allows agents to shop without the technical friction of browsing while simultaneously protecting user privacy by preventing access to full shopping histories and personal data.
"For instance, if a customer frequently buys sourdough bread or a specific brand of milk, Walmart will assist the agent in locating these usual items without exposing the customer's broader shopping history," the company states. Additionally, the service will be available for shopping with AI agents on Sam’s Club.
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