(Updates with Amazon's response to a request for comment in the last paragraph.)

Amazon's (AMZN) Amazon Web Services is accelerating the development of artificial intelligence to automate tasks in its sales, business development and other areas where it recently laid off hundreds of workers, The Information reported Tuesday, citing two people who have used the technology.

Specifically, AWS has been working on an AI agent that aids its sales staff in providing customers with quick answers to technical questions, the people reportedly said.

"AI was not the reason behind the vast majority of recent role reductions," an Amazon spokesperson said in response to MT Newswires' request for comment. "These changes were about continuing to strengthen our culture and teams by reducing layers, increasing ownership, and helping reduce bureaucracy to drive speed and ownership, and be set up to invest, collaborate, be connected, and deliver the absolute best for customers."

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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