The House Rules

Amazon just required every AI agent on its marketplace to self-identify, obey a new policy, and accept a kill switch — effective today. Amazon's own AI agents scraped half a million products from independent retailers without asking. The platform that writes the rules does not follow them. On March 4, 2026, Amazon's updated Business Solutions Agreement took effect. Section 19 now defines and restricts what it calls automated software — any bot, AI tool, or system that accesses Amazon Services. The announcement was posted February 17. Sellers had fifteen days to read the new terms. Continued use of the platform after today constitutes acceptance. Three requirements apply to every AI agent operating on Amazon's marketplace. First, it must clearly identify itself as an automated system at all times. Second, it must comply with Amazon's new Agent Policy without exception. Third, it must stop accessing Amazon Services immediately if Amazon requests it. Amazon retains the right to restrict a