Perplexity, a cutting-edge AI company, is building its own browser, Comet, to collect data on users’ online activities outside of its app and sell premium ads. CEO Aravind Srinivas explained that the goal is to build a more accurate user profile by tracking users’ browsing habits, shopping, and entertainment preferences.
Srinivas believes that users will be willing to accept this level of tracking in exchange for more relevant ads. The browser’s data collection aims to provide context for building targeted ads and improving the discover feed experience.
Perplexity is not alone in its efforts; other tech giants like Google, Meta, and Apple also collect user data to sell advertising. However, this practice has led to concerns about user privacy and trust in big tech.
The irony of Perplexity’s browser-tracking ambitions comes as Google faces scrutiny from the US Department of Justice over allegations of monopolistic behavior in search and online advertising. Both OpenAI and Perplexity have expressed interest in acquiring the Chrome browser business if Google is forced to divest it.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/24/perplexity-ceo-says-its-browser-will-track-everything-users-do-online-to-sell-hyper-personalized-ads