Core Perspective - Amazon has issued a cease and desist letter to Perplexity, demanding that it stop allowing users to create AI agents for purchasing items on Amazon's platform, indicating a struggle for control over the e-commerce experience [2][3][4]. Group 1: Amazon's Position - Amazon's legal action reflects its concern over losing control of the purchasing process, emphasizing that it wants customers to buy products in a manner that aligns with its business model [4][6]. - The company argues that the use of AI agents without proper identification violates federal and state computer fraud and abuse laws, as it constitutes an "intrusion" into its e-commerce operations [4][11]. - Amazon has invested billions to create a curated shopping experience that relies on various factors, including customer history and product reviews, which it believes is essential for maintaining customer trust [11]. Group 2: Perplexity's Perspective - Perplexity views the use of AI agents as a natural evolution in technology, arguing that it enhances the shopping experience by making transactions easier and more efficient [6][9]. - The company contends that its AI agents act as user agents, operating under the same permissions as the user and not needing to identify themselves as agents, which is a key point of contention with Amazon [9][10]. - Perplexity's concern is that if its agents are required to identify themselves, Amazon could impose restrictions or alter pricing strategies, undermining the user experience [10]. Group 3: Broader Implications - This legal dispute represents a significant test case for the role of autonomous AI agents in commerce, raising questions about ownership, rights, and responsibilities associated with AI-driven transactions [12]. - The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the future of AI in e-commerce and the foundational principles of an AI-driven web [13].