eBay Cracks Down on AI Shopping Bots, Signaling a New Era of “Agentic Commerce”

In a move that underscores the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and e-commerce, eBay has updated its User Agreement to explicitly ban third-party “buy for me” agents and AI-driven chatbots from interacting with its platform without explicit permission. The change, first spotted by Value Added Resource, may seem like a minor tweak to the fine print, but it reveals a much bigger story: the rise of “agentic commerce”—a new breed of AI tools designed to browse, compare, and even purchase products on behalf of users.

On the surface, a single line in a terms of service update might not sound like headline news. But dig a little deeper, and it becomes clear that eBay’s decision is a direct response to a technological shift that’s already underway. The updated terms, set to take effect on February 20, 2026, specifically prohibit users from employing “buy-for-me agents, LLM-driven bots, or any end-to-end flow that attempts to place orders without human review” to access eBay’s services without the site’s permission. This is a notable escalation from the previous version of the agreement, which only broadly banned robots, spiders, scrapers, and automated data gathering tools, without mentioning AI agents or large language models (LLMs) by name.

The phrase “agentic commerce” might sound like the latest bit of tech industry jargon, but the tools it describes are already here—and people are using them. These AI-powered shopping assistants come in various forms, each promising to revolutionize how we buy online.

Take OpenAI, for example. In April 2025, the company added shopping features to ChatGPT Search, allowing users to browse product recommendations directly within the chat interface. By September, OpenAI had launched Instant Checkout, a feature that lets users purchase items from Etsy and Shopify merchants without ever leaving the conversation. This seamless integration of shopping and AI chat represents a significant leap forward in user convenience—and a potential headache for platforms like eBay that rely on direct user engagement.

eBay’s CEO, Jamie Iannone, even hinted at the possibility of joining OpenAI’s Instant Checkout program in November 2025, suggesting that the company is not entirely opposed to the idea of AI-driven commerce. However, the new terms of service make it clear that eBay wants to maintain control over how these technologies are used on its platform. By requiring explicit permission for AI agents to interact with its services, eBay is positioning itself to manage the risks and opportunities that come with this new era of shopping.

So, what exactly are these “agentic commerce” tools, and why are they causing such a stir? At their core, these AI agents are designed to act as digital personal shoppers. They can search for products, compare prices, read reviews, and even complete purchases—all without direct human intervention. For consumers, this promises a faster, more efficient shopping experience. For businesses, it opens up new avenues for customer engagement and sales. But it also raises a host of questions about security, privacy, and the future of online retail.

One of the biggest concerns is the potential for fraud and abuse. AI agents that can place orders on behalf of users could be exploited by bad actors to make unauthorized purchases or manipulate markets. There’s also the risk of data breaches, as these tools often require access to sensitive information like payment details and browsing history. By banning unauthorized AI agents, eBay is taking a proactive stance to protect its users and its platform from these threats.

Another issue is the impact on the user experience. While AI-driven shopping can be incredibly convenient, it also has the potential to depersonalize the online retail experience. For many, part of the appeal of platforms like eBay is the human element—the thrill of finding a unique item, the satisfaction of negotiating a deal, the sense of community among buyers and sellers. If AI agents take over too much of the process, there’s a risk that these platforms could lose some of their charm and character.

Despite these challenges, the rise of agentic commerce is likely unstoppable. As AI technology continues to advance, it’s only a matter of time before these tools become a standard part of the online shopping landscape. Companies that embrace this shift—while also putting safeguards in place to protect their users—will be best positioned to thrive in this new era.

For now, eBay’s decision to update its terms of service is a clear signal that the company is taking the threat (and opportunity) of AI-driven commerce seriously. By requiring explicit permission for AI agents to interact with its platform, eBay is asserting its right to control how these technologies are used—and setting a precedent that other e-commerce giants may soon follow.

As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the way we shop online is changing, and AI is at the heart of that transformation. Whether you see it as a brave new world of convenience or a potential minefield of risks, there’s no denying that agentic commerce is here to stay. And as companies like eBay grapple with how to adapt, consumers will be watching closely to see how this new era of shopping unfolds.

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