AI Agents Transform Commerce with Autonomous Purchases

AI agents are poised to transform commerce by autonomously handling purchases on behalf of businesses and consumers, a shift that major platforms and regulators are addressing amid growing concerns over trust and risks. As of early 2026, companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google have integrated features allowing AI to complete transactions directly within chat interfaces, bypassing traditional websites and enabling seamless buying experiences.

The technology, known as agentic AI, enables systems to receive a goal, such as procuring office supplies or finding a budget-friendly coat, and then independently research options, compare prices, evaluate suppliers, and execute orders. Unlike earlier AI assistants that merely respond to queries, these agents plan multistep actions, use tools like APIs to access data, and adapt based on feedback. For instance, Salesforce's Agentforce platform supports autonomous workflows in procurement, while Amazon Business and Shopify offer tools for machine-to-machine transactions. Analysts project that by 2028, such agents will manage at least 15 percent of routine business decisions, potentially reducing sourcing costs by up to 20 percent...