Business

Meta's Muse shopping agent raises supplier labour questions

Meta's new AI agent Muse is attracting attention as a personal shopper that could search for bargains and make purchases without a user's approval. Google and OpenAI are also developing similar shopping tools. In an opinion piece in The Conversation, University of Otago academic Lynnaire Sheridan argues that cheaper deals could squeeze factory workers. She cites International Labour Organisation research covering 31 suppliers in five countries, which found buyers' demands pressured wages, overtime and safety.

Why it matters: If you sell online, Sheridan argues shopping agents can readily compare your prices, delivery times and reviews, but struggle to verify ethical sourcing claims. Keep that information clear and checkable.

Source: The Conversation · Also reported by Fast Company