Having an AI agent offer to do your shopping or look for better insurance deals sounds like a dream come true. But before you hand over the keys to your digital wallet, you might want to hear what the UK Competition and Markets Authority has to say about the potential pitfalls.
The government released a report in March 2026 examining so-called “agentic AI,” systems that not only answer questions but actually take actions on your behalf. While this technology promises to save you time and money, the CMA warns that without careful design, these autonomous assistants could just as easily make mistakes or manipulate your decisions. Ultimately, consumer law applies regardless of whether a human or an algorithm makes the decision.
The many ways an AI agent could fail you
The CMA analysis points to several clear risks that will become more serious as AI becomes more autonomous. First of all, your agent may not be the loyal servant you expect him to be. It could lead you to products that are more profitable for the company behind them than the ones that suit you best.
Errors are another real problem. Large language models sometimes hallucinate, and when an agent acts on made-up information, the consequences can be costly.
Bias causes additional headaches. An agent that learns from biased data can produce unfair results that are difficult for you to challenge. And over time, you may stop questioning it altogether and fall into a pattern of overdependence where the mistakes simply escape you.
The hidden costs of handing over control
Beyond the failures of individual agents, the report highlights broader market risks that affect everyone. Algorithmic pricing is already common, but agent-based AI could strengthen coordinated outcomes. If multiple companies use autonomous pricing agents, this could inadvertently weaken competition, leaving you with fewer real choices and potentially higher prices.
An agent limited to a closed ecosystem makes switching providers really difficult. Moving your data, preferences, or agent storage to a new service becomes a hassle. This lack of interoperability reduces your choices over time and establishes big players, which is the opposite of what you expect from a tool designed for browsing.
Data protection adds another important layer. These systems require access to your personal information and delegated authority to act on your behalf.
What happens next to your AI helper?
The CMA is not trying to kill this technology. Instead, it argues that trust is a crucial infrastructure for widespread adoption. The report emphasizes that companies are fully responsible for the results, even if an AI agent makes the call.
The UK also points to broader fixes that could make agent AI safer for everyone. Intelligent data systems, secure digital identities and strict interoperability standards would allow you to easily switch agents and maintain control of your information. Without these safeguards, you run the risk of relying on a helper to serve the company before it serves you.
For now, takeout is refreshingly easy. Agentic AI could save you time and money, but a little skepticism goes a long way. Look for services that are transparent about their boundaries, ask for confirmation before making big moves, and let you walk away with your data. Technology is advancing quickly and the rules are finally catching up. Your job is to ensure that any agent you hire works for you and not the other way around.
