United Airlines moves to block AI agents from its platform over security concerns

Nov 11 (Reuters) – United Airlines said on Wednesday it would restrict AI bots’ access to its digital platforms, ​citing data security, in the latest ‌pushback against AI agents increasingly capable of planning and booking trips for travelers. Here are some more details: • Companies across industries are taking divergent ‌approaches ​to the rapid rise ⁠of AI agents ⁠capable of carrying out tasks on behalf of users — some restricting access to protect their platforms, others embracing partnerships • Amazon ​has blocked Meta’s AI agent Muse, while Walmart has partnered with it • ⁠Meanwhile, online travel firms ⁠such as Expedia and Booking ​are working with ChatGPT-parent OpenAI • United warned that ​sharing account credentials with third-party AI ‌assistants could expose sensitive information and lead to unintended purchases, account modifications or the unauthorized use of frequent-flyer miles • It ⁠also said automated AI tools performing actions like flight check-in — which requires human acknowledgment for prohibited ⁠items ‌such as explosives — could create ⁠regulatory risks • The carrier said ​it ‌would take steps to restrict access ​both ⁠directly through its digital platforms and indirectly through travel agencies and aggregators, including updates to its booking, ticketing and distribution policies (Reporting by Anshuman Tripathy in Bengaluru; Editing by ​Vijay Kishore)