Instinct users say its new shopping feature is pushing products they never asked for
Instinct users are reporting that the personal AI agent is sending them unsolicited shopping recommendations, some based on private conversations, despite the CEO's stated opposition to pushing unwanted purchases. This new feature, Instinct Selections, is raising questions about AI monetization strategies and user privacy. The recommendations were not labeled as ads, and it's unclear if Instinct earns money from resulting purchases.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing tension between AI agent monetization and user privacy, potentially setting a precedent for how personal AI platforms will generate revenue without alienating users or violating trust. It raises important ethical questions about how AI uses personal data for commercial purposes.
Instinct users flagged unsolicited shopping recommendations, raising questions about how personal AI agents will monetize their platforms. Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images Instinct users say it texted them a shopping list pulled from chats they thought were private. Instinct's CEO says agents shouldn't push purchases users don't want. But users say they got them. Marketing and media analysts say the shopping suggestions may hint at monetization. If Instinct has suddenly texted you a shopping list you never asked for, you're not alone. Three early users, among dozens of X users, told Business Insider that the personal AI agent sent them unsolicited product recommendations based on details from earlier conversations. Shruti Gandhi, a general partner and founding engineer at AI-focused venture firm Array Ventures, said Instinct sent her a shopping list despite not requesting one.
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