Walmart sets strict rules for AI agents making online purchases

On October 21, 2026, Walmart introduced three measures to regulate AI agents purchasing on its platforms Walmart.com and Sam's Club. According to the company's announcement, these agents previously operated without distinction, blending their orders with those of human customers. Walmart now aims to identify each agent, control their permissions, and block those that do not comply with its rules.

The new tools include *Agent Profiles* to isolate agent purchases within customer accounts, a *Walmart Agent Gateway* based on Anthropic's MCP protocol for secure access, and strict terms of use. Customers can either approve each order or set a spending limit (50, 100, or 200 dollars). The gateway restricts data shared with agents and prohibits access to sensitive information like payment methods. Walmart emphasizes that prices remain identical to those offered to humans.

This framework applies immediately to third-party agents, with a beta access limited to invited businesses and developers. Walmart is taking on the role of regulator without waiting for specific legal frameworks. The company highlights existing partnerships with assistants like ChatGPT or Gemini but now opens its aisles to external agents under conditions. Several uncertainties remain, including how non-compliant agents will be detected or which participants are included in the beta program.