Thread

Amazon blocks Meta’s new Muse AI agent from shopping on amazon.com

153 points · 162 comments · simianwords

rr808 · 1790014595 · focus · HN ↗
It makes total sense for Amazon to block agents. It sucks having to manually check multiple sites for prices and delivery of something you want so is easier just to use Amazon which is usually very good. If people start using agents Amazon is less likely to get the sale and are more vulnerable to competition. Better to kill this trend off asap.
1. tantalor · 1790015334 · focus · HN ↗
  Sounds like Amazon is trying to use its monopoly position to give it an competitive advantage over smaller stores.
  1. carlosjobim · 1790020375 · focus · HN ↗
    Monopoly is a word that has a real meaning, and not a blanket term for companies you personally don't like and not even a blanket term for big companies.
    Amazon has nothing even approaching a monopoly. You can go right now to a store built from bricks and purchase goods.
    digitalPhonix · 1790066912 · focus · HN ↗
    > Monopoly is a word that has a real meaning
    Correct
    > Amazon has nothing even approaching a monopoly
    Sortof? It probably doesn’t have a monopoly in any segment that matters, but it does have many illegal monopolies (as defined by US FCR and the Sherman Act).
    Evidence: Amazon has been found guilty of being an illegal monopoly multiple times already.

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