Perplexity AI Sued for Secretly Sharing User Chats With Meta and Google
Key Takeaways:
- A class-action lawsuit filed April 1, 2026 accuses Perplexity AI of embedding hidden trackers that share user conversations with Meta and Google, even during Incognito browsing sessions.
- The lead plaintiff says he shared sensitive financial information with Perplexity believing those conversations were private, and that none of this data sharing was disclosed in Perplexity's privacy policy.
- You can reduce your exposure to this type of tracking by using DNS-level filtering, a VPN, tracker-blocking browser extensions, and by avoiding entering sensitive personal information into any AI chatbot.
What Happened
A Utah man filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Perplexity AI on April 1, 2026, in U.S. District Court in San Francisco (Doe v. Perplexity AI Inc., 3:26-cv-02803). The 140-page complaint alleges that Perplexity embedded tracking scripts on its website that automatically download when users log in. According to the lawsuit, those trackers give Meta and Google access to everything a user types into Perplexity, including search queries and follow-up conversations.
The plaintiff, identified as John Doe, says he used Perplexity to discuss taxes, investments, and family financial information. He believed those conversations were private. The complaint alleges that this data sharing was never disclosed in Perplexity's privacy policy and that the tracking works even when users browse in Incognito mode.
The lawsuit also names Meta and Google as defendants, alleging they knew the data they received from Perplexity included sensitive personal health and financial information and did nothing to stop it.
How the Tracking Allegedly Works
According to the complaint, the trackers are embedded in Perplexity's website code and activate when a user logs into their account. The lawsuit claims that full user prompts are transmitted to Meta and Google through URLs intercepted inside the user's browser. For subscribed users who created an account with an email address, that email may also have been shared alongside their conversation data.
In plain terms, if you typed a question into Perplexity like "What is the best treatment for liver cancer?" or "How should I invest my savings?", the lawsuit claims that entire question was sent to Meta and Google in real time without your knowledge.
Perplexity's Response
A Perplexity spokesperson stated that the company had not been formally served with the lawsuit and could not verify its existence or claims. The company did not directly deny the tracking practices described in the complaint. The lawsuit is in its earliest stages, and class-action cases of this type typically take one to three years to resolve.
Why This Matters for Home Internet Users
Many people treat AI chatbots like private assistants. They ask questions about medical symptoms, finances, legal situations, and personal matters. This lawsuit highlights a risk that most users do not think about: the website running the AI tool may also be running third-party tracking code that sends your data to advertising companies in the background.
This is not a problem that Incognito mode or private browsing can solve. Incognito mode prevents your browser from saving your local history and cookies after you close the window. It does not stop a website from running tracking scripts while you are using it.
How to Protect Your Privacy When Using AI Tools
Your home network setup plays a bigger role in your online privacy than most people realize. Here are practical steps you can take right now:
1. Use DNS-Level Filtering
DNS filtering services like NextDNS or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 for Families can block known advertising and tracking domains at the network level before they ever load on your device. You can configure these directly on your router so every device in your home benefits automatically. This is one of the simplest and most effective first steps you can take.
2. Use a VPN
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address. While a VPN will not stop a website from running tracker scripts inside your browser, it does prevent your ISP and third parties from seeing your browsing activity. It also keeps your real IP address and location from being collected by the websites you visit.
3. Install Tracker-Blocking Browser Extensions
Extensions like uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger can detect and block third-party tracking scripts on websites, including the type of trackers described in this lawsuit. These tools work inside your browser and complement the protection you get from DNS filtering and a VPN.
4. Do Not Share Sensitive Information With AI Chatbots
This is the most important step. No matter what privacy tools you use, the safest approach is to never type personally identifiable information into any AI chatbot. That includes tax details, Social Security numbers, medical conditions tied to your identity, financial account information, and anything else you would not want a stranger to read. If you would not post it publicly, do not type it into an AI tool.
5. Consider Local AI Tools for Sensitive Queries
If you need to use AI for sensitive research, tools like Ollama and LM Studio allow you to run AI models directly on your own computer. Your queries never leave your device. This is the most private option available, though it requires some technical setup and a reasonably powerful computer.
The Bigger Picture
This lawsuit is one of several recent cases raising questions about how AI companies handle user data. Perplexity has marketed itself as a cleaner, more privacy-friendly alternative to traditional search engines. If these allegations hold up, it undermines that core promise and raises questions about what other AI tools may be doing with user data behind the scenes.
For now, the case is in its earliest stages and nothing has been proven. But it serves as a clear reminder that using any online tool, including AI chatbots, comes with privacy trade-offs. Your best defense starts with your own habits and your home network configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perplexity AI safe to use?
Perplexity AI is currently facing a class-action lawsuit alleging it shared user conversations with Meta and Google through hidden trackers. Nothing has been proven yet, but until the situation is resolved, it is wise to avoid entering sensitive personal information into the platform. Use tracker-blocking tools and a VPN for additional protection.
Does Incognito mode protect my AI conversations from being tracked?
No. Incognito mode only prevents your browser from saving your local browsing history and cookies. It does not stop websites from running tracking scripts or sharing your data with third parties while you are using them. The Perplexity lawsuit specifically alleges that tracking occurred even in Incognito mode.
What is DNS filtering and how does it protect my privacy?
DNS filtering blocks connections to known advertising and tracking domains before they load on your device. Services like NextDNS and Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 for Families can be configured on your router to protect every device on your home network automatically. This can prevent many common trackers from ever reaching your browser.
Can a VPN stop AI chatbot trackers?
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, which adds a layer of privacy. However, a VPN alone cannot stop tracking scripts that run inside a website you are actively using. For the best protection, combine a VPN with DNS filtering and tracker-blocking browser extensions like uBlock Origin.
What kind of data did Perplexity AI allegedly share?
According to the lawsuit, Perplexity shared complete user prompts and conversations with Meta and Google. The lead plaintiff claims he entered information about his taxes, investments, and family finances. The complaint also alleges that email addresses of subscribed users were shared alongside their conversation data.
How do I set up DNS filtering on my home router?
Most routers allow you to change the DNS server in the network or internet settings of the admin panel. You can replace your ISP's default DNS with a privacy-focused service like NextDNS or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). Log into your router's admin page, look for DNS settings under the WAN or internet configuration section, and enter the new DNS addresses. This change applies to all devices connected to your network.
Are other AI chatbots tracking my conversations too?
It is possible. Most AI chatbot services collect some user data, and many use third-party analytics tools that may share information with advertising networks. Always read the privacy policy of any AI tool you use, and assume that anything you type could potentially be stored, analyzed, or shared. For the most private AI experience, use locally hosted AI tools that keep all data on your own device.
