The following response to a Perplexity search may provide some useful background on this story.
"Perplexity allows users—primarily through its Comet browser assistant and the “Buy with Pro” feature—to shop for products from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Shopify directly from within the Perplexity interface. Here’s how this process generally works:
** Users enter a query describing what they’re looking to buy. Perplexity’s AI then presents curated product recommendations, featuring concise product cards that highlight key features and unbiased details tailored to the search.****
** For supported retailers, including some products from Amazon, users can use one-click checkout directly within Perplexity (“Buy with Pro”), provided that their shipping and billing information is saved securely in their Perplexity account. This enables users to place an order without leaving the Perplexity app or website. If the one-click checkout isn’t available, Perplexity redirects users to the retailer’s website (e.g., Amazon) to complete the transaction themselves."**
** The process is designed to keep shopping streamlined—minimizing time spent searching, comparing, and checking out. Pro users also receive benefits such as free shipping when using the Buy with Pro feature for applicable products and merchants.**
It’s worth noting that there has been recent tension between Amazon and Perplexity regarding automated purchasing by AI agents. Amazon requested that Perplexity stop using automated AI tools to make purchases directly on behalf of users, arguing this may breach Amazon’s terms of service. Despite this, Perplexity continues to support Amazon shopping via human-directed workflows and is engaged in ongoing discussions about the appropriate use of AI assistants on retail platforms.**
In summary, Perplexity shops on Amazon for others by acting as an intelligent shopping assistant that finds, compares, and (where permitted) automates parts of the purchasing process, while keeping the shopper in control and making the experience faster and more intuitive."
My initial reaction is revulsion that anyone would use Comet, which increases the lack of security always lurking on the Internet. As well as my usual skepticism of how many websites choose to monetize their services which aren’t worth a darn.
I agree with you here
Thirded; I’d suggest that anyone using their heads for anything more than a mere hat-rack would, in large part and in an exuberant fashion, tend to agree.
There be monsters lurking there…