Perplexity AI accused of using secret trackers to share your data with Meta and Google

In the midst of the drama surrounding Anthropic, OpenAI, and the US Department of Defense, another AI startup, Perplexity AI, has come under fresh scrutiny after being accused in a class-action lawsuit.

The popular AI-powered search and answer engine platform has been accused of embedding hidden trackers that secretly route sensitive user conversations and personal data to Meta and Google without proper consent.

According to the complaint filed on March 31 in federal court in San Francisco by a Utah plaintiff listed as John Doe, Perplexity AI allegedly downloads “undetectable” tracking software onto users’ devices as soon as they log into the platform’s homepage.

These trackers are claimed to transmit full details of user interactions, including conversations with Perplexity’s AI search engine, directly to Meta Platforms and Alphabet’s Google, which are said to be violating California privacy laws.

The lawsuit further names Meta and Google as defendants, accusing them of computer privacy and fraud violations related to the alleged data sharing.

Plaintiffs argue that the practice occurs without clear disclosure or explicit user consent, raising serious concerns about data privacy in the rapidly growing AI sector. ALSO READWant to change your Gmail address?

Google now lets you do it without losing any data How Perplexity AI’s alleged trackers work The complaint claims that Perplexity embedded tracking code directly into its search engine’s interface.

Once activated, the trackers allegedly grant Meta and Google comprehensive access to user queries and responses generated by the AI. It also grants access to other sensitive session data.