Amazon Wins Court Order to Block Perplexity AI Shopping Bots

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Amazon has won a temporary court order blocking the San Francisco-based AI firm Perplexity from using its AI-powered web browsers to access Amazon's password-protected customer accounts without authorization. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California found that Amazon provided strong evidence of Perplexity's unauthorized access and the potential for irreparable harm. Perplexity has filed an appeal, arguing the injunction would harm consumer choice and innovation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tension between tech giants like Amazon and emerging AI firms over access to proprietary data and systems. It raises questions about the boundaries of AI-powered tools, consumer privacy, and the balance between innovation and protecting corporate interests.

The details

According to court documents, Amazon accused Perplexity of using its Comet web browsers' AI function to access Amazon's password-protected sections without authorization. The court found Amazon provided evidence it had spent significant resources responding to Perplexity's alleged unauthorized access. The ruling prohibits Perplexity from accessing Amazon's systems using AI agents and orders the destruction of any Amazon data obtained through such means.

• On November 4, 2025, Amazon.com Services LLC filed a Motion for Preliminary Injunctive Relief against Perplexity.
• On March 6, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued the ruling in favor of Amazon.
• On March 10, 2026, Perplexity filed an appeal of the court's decision.

What’s next

Perplexity has 30 days to certify that it has fully complied with the court's ruling to destroy all copies of Amazon's data. Perplexity's appeal of the preliminary injunction is currently pending.