The news: Target updated its terms and conditions to clarify liability for purchases made using third-party shopping agents as it prepares for the launch of its Google Gemini integration.

The details: Customers who wish to use AI agents to shop on Target must explicitly give those tools permission to access and carry out certain functions in their Target accounts. Those functions can include signing into the account, creating or modifying shopping carts, and placing and returning orders.

However, customers are ultimately responsible for the actions taken by authorized AI agents—including their mistakes. Target treats purchases made by AI shopping assistants as “transactions authorized by you,” meaning that shoppers would still have to pay even if the agent purchases the wrong item or quotes the wrong price. The retailer also notes that it cannot guarantee that an agent “will act exactly as you intend in all circumstances,” putting the onus on the consumer to carefully monitor their AI interactions and the permissions granted.

The implications: Target is wisely covering its bases as consumers begin to experiment with agentic commerce. While few people are currently giving AI agents full rein over the shopping journey, interest is growing: Over half (52%) of US adults say they would allow their AI agent to choose and make a purchase on their behalf without asking for final approval, according to an Ipsos poll.

At the same time, Target’s disclaimers reveal the risk that AI agents pose to retailers’ ability to deliver a consistent, quality customer experience. While the company may be legally insulated from an AI shopping assistant’s mistake, every incorrect purchase and frustrating experience chips away at loyalty and trust.

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