Perplexity AI accused of exposing sensitive user data
Perplexity denies claims of hidden trackers in AI search engine code
A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Perplexity AI in San Francisco, accusing the startup of secretly routing sensitive user data to Meta Platforms and Google.
The lawsuit, filed by John Doe from Utah, alleges that users’ private conversations with Perplexity AI are being accessed by Meta and Google, even when the users are in Incognito mode.
The lawsuit alleges violations of California privacy laws, as well as federal and state fraud regulations.
Perplexity AI uses undetectable tracking software in the code of the search engine, which allows the data from users’ conversations to be transmitted to third parties, allowing Meta and Google to utilise the data in advertising, as well as sell the data.
John Doe alleges that he has shared very sensitive information with the chatbot, including family finances, tax information, and personal investment strategies.
According to Perplexity AI's spokesperson Jesse Dwyer in a statement to Bloomberg, “We have not been served any lawsuit that matches this description, so we are unable to verify its existence or claims.”
Meta referred to its Facebook help page to show that sharing sensitive information constitutes a violation of company policies.
Perplexity AI, which operates under CEO Aravind Srinivas, is currently facing its second lawsuit from Amazon because of its automated shopping system. Amazon alleges Perplexity accessed customer accounts without permission, posing risks to private data. A federal judge recently blocked Perplexity from accessing Amazon through its Comet browser.
