Security News > 2020 > April > Automatic Instacart Bots

To use Cartdash users first selected what items they want from Instacart as normal.

First, does this count as a hack? I feel like it is, since it's a way to subvert the Instacart ordering system.

When asked if this tool may give people an unfair advantage over those who don't use the tool, Koch said, "At this point, it's a matter of awareness, not technical ability, since people who can use Instacart can use Cartdash." When pushed on how, realistically, not every user of Instacart is going to know about Cartdash, even after it may receive more attention, and the people using Cartdash will still have an advantage over people who aren't using automated tools, Koch again said, "It's a matter of awareness, not technical ability."

Second, should Instacart take action against this? On the one hand, it isn't "Fair" in that Cartdash users get an advantage in finding a delivery slot.

Third, does Instacart even stand a chance in the long run.

News URL

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2020/04/automatic_insta.html