While Amazon blocks AI agents, Walmart rolls out the welcome mat

Insight summary

• •Walmart launched Agent Gateway to support AI agents managing transactions and shopping on its platform.
• •This initiative contrasts Amazon’s recent policy of blocking AI agents from making purchases.
• •Agent Gateway uses the model context protocol to allow AI agents to search inventory and purchase without accessing personal shopper data.
• •Walmart introduced Agent Profiles for customers to authorize, monitor, and control AI agent purchases and spending limits.
• •AI agents must comply with specific terms, including limited access to customer data and adherence to the returns process.
• •These controls aim to enhance user trust and facilitate mainstream adoption of AI agents in commerce.
• •Agent support is available to all Walmart customers without requiring a Walmart+ membership.