The RealReal tightens security to stop AI agents from locking designer items

The RealReal is modifying its website security to prevent artificial intelligence agents from reserving designer clothing for extended periods. The luxury consignment retailer updated its bot defense system following a report that detailed how an AI tool could exploit the site's item reserve feature.

On The RealReal's platform, a product enters a 20 minute hold period once a customer adds it to a shopping cart. During that window, the item is unavailable to other shoppers. A recent investigation demonstrated that Meta's Muse application could automate the process of re-adding items to a cart immediately after the hold expired. This allowed the AI agent to keep specific listings inaccessible to human buyers for several hours.

Luke Friang, the company's chief technology officer, confirmed via email that the team has addressed the specific issue raised by the report. The new configuration makes it more difficult for any agent to log in, add items to a cart, or complete a checkout. Friang stated that agents can still display available listings and direct users to product pages, but the barriers to purchasing have increased.

The change occurs as technology firms promote AI agents as digital assistants capable of managing daily tasks for users. Meta disclosed during its third quarter earnings call that shopping is the most frequent use case for Muse. The company reported that the average purchase through the app exceeded $200. Additionally, Meta noted that 10 million people in the United States downloaded the application within 40 days of its launch.

Retailers are increasingly concerned that AI intermediaries may alter the relationship between brands and consumers. Major companies, including Amazon, have already restricted agent access to their sites to protect advertising revenue and direct sales. The RealReal's move reflects a wider industry effort to adapt to automated shopping behaviors.

The reserve system on secondhand fashion sites was designed for human shoppers who may need time to decide. An AI agent, however, performs the repetitive task of refreshing carts without hesitation. This capability allows consumers to secure rare designer items with a level of automation that previously required a human personal assistant.

Meta did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment regarding the update. The RealReal said it will continue to strengthen its protections as the use of AI-powered online shopping expands.