The RealReal Updates Bot Defense Against AI Agents

The retailer modified its systems after AI agents exploited reservation tools to block other shoppers.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Isometric editorial illustration of steel data-center server racks, representing the backend infrastructure protecting digital inventory. — The RealReal has implemented updated bot-defense software to restrict AI agents from exploiting cart reservation windows on its e-commerce platform. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support AI agents being allowed to automate shopping tasks for you on retail websites?

The RealReal has updated its bot defense configuration to restrict AI agent activity on its website. This shift follows evidence of agents using automated tools to repeatedly reserve items, preventing human shoppers from making purchases.

Why it matters

The change addresses a specific exploit where AI agents bypassed inventory availability by repeatedly adding listings to carts. Protecting the reservation system is essential for maintaining a fair shopping experience as AI-powered autonomous agents become more prevalent.

The RealReal item reservation system holds products for 20 minutes when added to a cart. The average purchase value for transactions completed by Muse AI agents is currently reported as over $200.

The players

The RealReal

The RealReal is an online marketplace that specializes in the resale of luxury goods.

The details

The platform updated its bot defense to make it harder for AI agents to log in, add products to carts, and complete checkouts. Agents previously exploited the 20-minute reservation window by re-adding items to carts immediately after a hold expired, effectively locking products away from other customers.

In October 2026, The RealReal updated its bot defense system.
In October 2026, Meta reported that Muse reached 10 million downloads in the United States over a 40-day period.

The Tech Race

The emergence of the Meta Muse AI shopping agent marks a significant shift in retail interaction, highlighting the ongoing tension between automation and traditional site security protocols. This development forces retailers to move beyond standard defenses to address the specific behaviors of autonomous agents.

Shoppers may find it easier to access in-demand inventory as unauthorized AI agents are restricted from hogging items in carts. The updates are intended to maintain fair purchase opportunities for human customers by curbing automated reservation loops.

The takeaway

Retailers are increasingly forced to implement advanced bot defenses to counter the rise of autonomous AI shopping assistants. Consumers benefit from these protections when they prevent bots from artificially inflating demand or holding products indefinitely.