The RealReal strengthens bot defenses to block AI agents from hogging designer clothing

The RealReal has updated its bot defense system to make it harder for AI agents to add items to cart and check out, following a Verge report showing an AI agent could exploit the site's 20-minute item reserve system to block other shoppers. Chief Technology Officer Luke Friang said the change makes it much more difficult for agents to log in, add items, and checkout, while still allowing agents to surface listings and direct users to product pages.