Amazon(US:AMZN) Benzingaยท2025-11-05 09:48Core Viewpoint - The legal dispute between Perplexity and Amazon highlights tensions in the evolving landscape of AI-assisted online shopping, with Perplexity asserting its right to operate without Amazon's imposed restrictions [1][2][3]. Group 1: Legal Dispute - Amazon issued a legal threat to Perplexity, demanding that it block users from deploying AI assistants on its platform, marking Amazon's first legal action against an AI company [2]. - Perplexity responded by stating that its AI operates under human direction and does not need to identify itself as an agent, arguing that Amazon's demands are unreasonable and a form of intimidation [2][3]. - The e-commerce giant contends that third-party agents should clearly identify themselves when making purchases on behalf of customers, suggesting that Perplexity could comply with such transparency [3][4]. Group 2: Perplexity's Position - Perplexity characterized Amazon's actions as a threat to all internet users and accused the company of using bully tactics against disruptive innovation [3]. - The startup emphasized that agentic shopping represents a natural evolution in the industry and expressed its determination not to be intimidated by Amazon's legal threats [3][4]. Group 3: Background and Controversies - This legal conflict is part of a series of controversies surrounding Perplexity, including accusations of using undeclared crawlers to bypass website restrictions [4]. - CEO Aravind Srinivas has previously warned against the misuse of AI tools, particularly after a viral incident involving Perplexity's browser completing a Coursera assignment rapidly [5]. - Perplexity has also made headlines for its unsolicited $34.5 billion cash bid to acquire Google's Chrome browser, indicating its ambition in the tech sector [5].