Security Firm Cheq Reports Surge in AI Shopping Agent Traffic as Amazon and eBay Block Access
Cheq claims a 100x increase in AI agent traffic over 45 days, but major platforms like Amazon and eBay are blocking these agents to protect their ad and checkout ecosystems.
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Cybersecurity firm Cheq, which verifies AI shopping agents, reported a 100x surge in agentic traffic over a 45-day period following the release of consumer AI agents such as Instinct and Meta’s Muse. While the absolute baseline remains undisclosed and the data is vendor-self-reported, Cheq CEO Guy Tytunovich noted that this traffic is growing rapidly amid a steady stream of new agent releases.
However, not all platforms are welcoming these agents. Amazon and eBay have reportedly blocked them to reinforce control over their advertising businesses and checkout experiences. Meanwhile, consumers remain hesitant: Morning Consult finds that while shoppers are increasingly swayed by agent recommendations, few are comfortable letting AI make purchases on their behalf. This holiday season serves as the first true test of how brands can display products in ways that appeal to AI agents.