Perplexity AI is accused of violating privacy laws by secretly sharing user data with Meta and Google
Complete. Here is the key summaryPerplexity AI Inc. is accused of violating California privacy laws by secretly sharing users' personal data with Meta and Google. When users use Perplexity, their devices automatically download trackers, resulting in the capture of users' conversations with Perplexity. The prosecution alleges that personal data is still shared even in "incognito mode." The lawsuit was filed by a user, accusing Meta and Google of violating privacy laws. Perplexity and Google have not yet provided detailed responses to this
According to Bloomberg, Perplexity AI Inc. is facing a class-action lawsuit from users, accusing the company of secretly sharing user personal data with Meta and Alphabet's Google, allegedly violating California privacy laws.
Users Automatically Download Trackers Upon Login
According to a complaint filed in federal court in San Francisco on Tuesday, when users log into the Perplexity homepage, their devices automatically download trackers, allowing Meta and Google to fully access users' conversations with the Perplexity AI search engine.
The plaintiffs pointed out that Meta and Google could use this sensitive data to "benefit themselves," including serving ads to users and reselling sensitive data to other third parties. The plaintiffs also claimed that even if users enable "incognito mode," personal data would still be shared.
This lawsuit was filed by John Doe (pseudonym), who disclosed information about his family's financial situation, tax liabilities, investment portfolio, and strategies to the Perplexity chatbot, and is attempting to represent all Perplexity users in the class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit also accuses Meta and Google of violating federal and state computer privacy and fraud laws.
Perplexity: No Corresponding Lawsuit Received
A Meta spokesperson cited Facebook's policy page stating that it is against their rules for advertisers to send sensitive data to the company. Perplexity spokesperson Jesse Dwyer responded, "We have not received any lawsuits that match this description, so we cannot verify its existence or the related allegations." A Google representative has not immediately responded to requests for comment