Amazon and Walmart’s AI can spot fake ‘Made in USA’ labels but won’t tell you, says study

Researchers at Columbia Law School found Amazon’s Alexa for Shopping and Walmart’s Sparky could spot contradictions between “Made in USA” claims and origin details in the same product listing.

But the study says neither company is using those signals to flag or remove misleading items, and the problem appears widespread across both platforms.

False “Made in USA” labeling can mislead shoppers, hurt legitimate U.S. brands, and run afoul of FTC rules requiring such products to be all or virtually all made in the United States.

Amazon said it shows origin information when available and is working to make it easier to find; Walmart did not comment.