According to a recent Mastercard futures report, by 2030 more than ten percent of online shoppers will delegate routine purchases to artificial intelligence. The report says autonomous agents will not only search for products but also complete transactions on users’ behalf, fundamentally reshaping commerce and patterns of consumer trust.
What autonomous AI agents can do
As technology advances, algorithms are shifting from decision support toward autonomous action. Futurist Magnus Lindkvist expects that by the end of the decade AI agents will manage everyday purchases—such as groceries and medicines—and handle subscriptions. These assistants may be able to negotiate on price, while traditional shopping increasingly focuses on experience and inspiration.
Younger consumers driving change
Consumer behaviour is already changing, especially among younger generations. A survey across 13 countries found that teenagers use AI to find the best prices and make purchase decisions twice as often as their parents. More than a quarter of teenagers (27 percent) would be willing to entrust an AI assistant with the entire purchase process. Trust is shifting as well: a third of young people say they trust algorithmic product recommendations more than friends’ opinions, and nearly a quarter would prefer AI advice over their own parents’ guidance.
New requirements for retailers
Retailers will need to adapt to a new kind of buyer: digital agents that can process vast amounts of data and ratings in seconds. That will make it essential for online stores to provide product information, loyalty programme rules and sustainability certifications in formats that are easy for machines to read and verify.
Regulation and responsibility
A successful transition will depend on building consumer trust and establishing an appropriate regulatory framework, since consumers will be delegating parts of decision‑making to technology. Expert Theodora Lau expects that by 2030 several leading economies among the G20 could introduce official guidance on registering autonomous agents and clarifying issues of responsibility and consent.
Summary
Mastercard’s report suggests that routine purchases will increasingly be handled by AI over the coming decade, with younger consumers driving rapid adoption. Retailers, platforms and regulators will need to adapt—technically and legally—to ensure interoperability, transparency and clear rules on accountability.
Note: an AI assistant contributed to preparing this article; the final content was edited and verified by our journalist.
