Instinct users say its new shopping feature is pushing products they never asked for (www.businessinsider.com)

Instinct, a personal AI agent, has come under scrutiny after users reported receiving unsolicited shopping recommendations based on details from past conversations. This feature rolled out amid Instinct's partnership with Shopify and the introduction of Instinct Selections, which offer curated product suggestions. Users like Shruti Gandhi and Tanmaye Bhatia expressed their discomfort with these unexpected suggestions, which appeared to draw from personal data, such as upcoming events or interests, without prior consent. Instinct's CEO, Noah Shinn, previously emphasized that such AI agents should not push unwanted purchases, highlighting the ethical implications of using personal information to promote products. The incident raises critical questions about Instinct's business model and the trustworthiness of AI-driven recommendations. While the company claims to keep its services free for users, potential financial incentives could create a conflict between genuine assistance and profit motives. Analysts warned that if Instinct earns money from influencing users’ purchases, it might compromise the integrity of its recommendations. The situation underscores the need for transparency regarding how personal data is utilized and raises concerns about the broader implications for AI agents becoming sales-oriented rather than solely supportive.