【AI + Privacy】Perplexity AI accused of violating privacy laws by sharing user personal data with Meta and Google

According to reports by foreign media, an AI startup called Perplexity AI is facing a class action lawsuit filed by users, alleging that it secretly shared users’ personal information—used in conversations with the platform—with Meta and Google, which are part of Alphabet, in violation of California privacy laws.

In a proposed class action complaint filed in the U.S. federal court in San Francisco on Tuesday (the 31st), users only need to log in to Perplexity’s homepage, and the device will automatically download tracking tools, enabling Meta and Google to gain full access to the conversations between users and Perplexity AI’s search engine. The complaint states that these tracking tools are embedded in the search engine’s code, are difficult to detect, and automatically transmit the conversations to Meta, Google, and other third parties.

The plaintiffs claim that this allows the two tech giants to use these sensitive data for their own benefit, including running targeted ads for individuals and selling the data to more third parties. Even if users choose the platform’s private/incognito mode, their personal information will still be shared.

Meta and Google are also listed as defendants

The lawsuit was filed by a man from Utah under the pseudonym John Doe. He said he had told the Perplexity chatbot about sensitive information including his household finances, tax liabilities, investment portfolio, and investment strategy, and sought to bring a class action lawsuit on behalf of all Perplexity users. The complaint also lists Meta and Google as defendants, alleging that the two companies violated federal and state-level computer privacy and fraud laws.

Perplexity spokesperson Jesse Dwyer said the company has not yet received any court documents matching the description above, so it cannot verify whether they exist or whether the related allegations are true. A Meta spokesperson said that sending sensitive data to the company by advertisers violates its policies. Google has not yet responded to a request for comment.

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