Slashdot has reported:

AI agents from Meta, xAI, OpenAI and Instinct are facing blocks at major websites, limiting their ability to book travel, shop and access accounts. Users have reported problems in recent weeks with Meta’s Muse, xAI’s Grok, OpenAI’s Dots and Instinct’s agent as companies restrict automated access.

Yelp told TechCrunch it permits AI agents only if they pay to join its data licensing program. Delta Air Lines is preventing agents from booking tickets for users, while JPMorgan Chase and Charles Schwab confirmed they block agents from accessing accounts because of security concerns. Users also say Cars.com and Amtrak, which had previously worked with some agents, are no longer accessible, suggesting other companies may be restricting access without public announcements.

Amazon recently said Muse’s “continued access” violates its site policies. Reports also say Grok, Instinct’s agent and OpenAI’s Dots have been unable to use Amazon. Elon Musk, xAI’s owner, responded: “should start a competitor to Amazon.” The reports raise questions about the usefulness of agents as they encounter more sites they cannot access.

Meta has partnered with retailers including Walmart, Gap, Sephora and Best Buy so Muse can shop on their websites. Shopify has also opened its network of storefronts to AI agents. Those arrangements offer agents shopping options as access to other sites is restricted.

The agents are promoted by OpenAI, Meta, Google, Instinct and others as tools that can handle online tasks for users. Those tasks include booking dinner reservations, clearing inboxes and buying shoes. The restrictions show that access depends on individual companies’ policies, licensing requirements and security decisions.