Perplexity AI, an AI search engine, is at the center of a proposed class-action lawsuit for allegedly sharing sensitive user data with Meta Platforms and Google, as reported by Bloomberg. The complaint accuses Perplexity of violating California privacy laws by embedding ‘undetectable’ trackers that transmit personal information to these tech giants.
The lawsuit, initiated by a Utah resident known as John Doe, aims to represent a larger group of Perplexity users. It alleges that trackers are downloaded onto users’ devices upon visiting Perplexity’s website, granting Meta and Google full access to conversations with the AI system, even in ‘Incognito’ mode.
Furthermore, the complaint claims that this backdoor access enables Meta and Google to utilize the data for targeted advertising and potentially resell it to third parties. Perplexity is accused of including hidden tracking software in its search engine code to facilitate the transmission of user conversations to these tech companies.
In response to the lawsuit, a Meta spokesperson referenced Facebook’s policy against advertisers sending sensitive information, emphasizing their stance on data privacy. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Perplexity has yet to provide a formal statement regarding the allegations.
Source: mint – technology