Technology and Science01 April, 20261 min read
Perplexity AI Faces Class-Action Over Secret Data Sharing with Meta-Google
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Proposed class-action filed March 31, 2026 in San Francisco federal court against Perplexity. Alleges hidden trackers in Perplexity's code transmit conversations to Meta and Google.
Privacy Lawsuit Unveils Tracking
Perplexity AI faced a class-action lawsuit accusing it of secretly routing sensitive user data to Meta and Google via hidden trackers. Users' private conversations were accessed even in Incognito mode, which the lawsuit calls a sham.
The lawsuit was filed by a Utah man who shared highly sensitive information that was then transmitted to the tech giants. Perplexity stated it had not been served and could not verify the claims.
Incognito Mode Called Sham
Opening prompts are always shared, as are any follow-up questions a user clicks on. Privacy concerns are worse for non-subscribed users whose initial prompts are shared with a URL accessible by third parties.
Chats are also shared with personally identifiable information even when using Incognito Mode. Perplexity’s private browsing claims were contradicted by evidence.
Sensitive Info Shared
The plaintiff shared highly sensitive data that users assume stays private. The trackers give Meta and Google full access for advertising exploitation and data resale.
The lawsuit accuses all three companies of violating privacy and fraud laws. Meta pointed to its Facebook help page stating sending sensitive information violates policies.
Company Responses and Legal Context
Perplexity labeled the lawsuit an anonymous and mischaracterized complaint. Meta called it an attempt to score cheap political points.
The Amazon lawsuit adds context to the startup's concurrent legal troubles. Technologies designed to appear private may not deliver true confidentiality.
