Senator Says It Could Lead To Consumer Manipulation

On Monday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) accused Alphabet Inc.’s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google of blurring the line between helpful recommendations and consumer manipulation by embedding instant checkout into its Gemini AI chatbot.

Warren took to X and said that Google’s move to integrate its Gemini AI model into shopping services could give the tech giant new ways to influence consumer behavior.

“This could allow Google and its partners to violate consumer privacy and manipulate consumers into spending more and paying higher prices,” she wrote on X, adding, “I’m pushing for answers.”

Google plans to integrate its AI model, Gemini, into its shopping services. This could allow Google and its partners to violate consumer privacy and manipulate consumers into spending more and paying higher prices.

I’m pushing for answers.

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Her comments come as Google accelerates efforts to turn Gemini into a full-fledged shopping assistant rather than just a search or chat tool.

Google did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.

Last month, Google announced partnerships with major retailers, including Walmart (NASDAQ:WMT), Shopify (NASDAQ:SHOP) and Wayfair (NYSE:W) to expand shopping features in Gemini.

The update allows users to search for products, receive recommendations and complete purchases without leaving the chatbot.

An instant checkout feature lets shoppers pay using cards linked to their Google accounts, with support for PayPal expected soon. Google said the AI-powered shopping tools will launch first in the U.S., with international expansion planned.

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If a user asks Gemini for product suggestions — such as gear for a winter ski trip — the chatbot pulls items from participating retailers’ inventories.

Customers who link their Google and Walmart accounts may receive personalized recommendations based on past purchases, with items added directly to their Walmart or Sam’s Club carts.