Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
Musk suggests launching a rival to Amazon after Grok bots are blocked
Elon Musk suggested starting a venture to compete with Amazon after a user raised the idea of an online shop linked to X. The discussion followed users’ attempts to have Grok bots place orders on Amazon.
Amazon warns that access by an unauthorized AI agent violates its terms of use.
Amazon also blocks other AI tools that automate purchases, while developing its own AI-powered shopping agents.
A new shopping platform backed by Musk’s companies could challenge Amazon, but experts say an AI interface alone would not make a viable alternative.
No plans or details for a rival platform were announced.
Elon Musk said a rival venture to Amazon may be worth starting after Amazon blocked Grok bots from placing orders.
He made the comment in response to a user on X who suggested opening an “X Shop.”
Amazon says continued access by an unauthorized AI agent violates its terms of use.
Amazon is also reported to block other AI tools designed to automate online purchases.
Experts say a viable rival would require more than an AI-based shopping interface.
- Who
- Elon Musk and Amazon.
- What
- Musk suggested starting a venture to compete with Amazon after Grok bots were blocked from ordering on the platform.
- When
- The date of Musk’s response is not stated. The reports were published on October 15 and 16, 2026.
- Where
- Musk responded on X; the access restriction applies to Amazon’s platform.
- Why
- Amazon says unauthorized AI-agent access violates its terms of use.
Amazon
Musk and a potential rival venture
Platform access
Amazon
Amazon says continued access by an unauthorized AI agent violates its terms of use.
Musk and a potential rival venture
Musk suggested that a rival venture may be worth starting after Grok bots were blocked.
Automated shopping
Amazon
Amazon is reported to block other AI tools that automate online purchases.
Musk and a potential rival venture
Experts say a new platform backed by Musk’s companies could have the potential to compete with Amazon.
Amazon blocked Grok bots from placing orders on its platform.
Musk responded to a user's post on X by suggesting a venture to compete with Amazon.
- Musk's response
- Perhaps we should start a venture to compete with Amazon.
- Platform
- Amazon
- Blocked tool
- Grok AI assistants
- User's suggested store
- X Shop
- Reported publication dates
- October 15 and 16, 2026
2 sources
What people are saying
Perhaps we should start a venture to compete with Amazon.
Continued access by an unauthorized AI agent violates the Amazon Conditions of Use that our customers have accepted.