Archive — US — techcrunch
Perplexity CEO says its browser will track everything users do online to sell‘hyper personalized’ ads
Perplexity's CEO Aravind Srinivas announced plans to launch a new browser, Comet, designed to track users' online activities for
Key points
- Perplexity aims to launch its browser, Comet, in May 2025 to track user activities beyond its app.
- The data collected will enhance user profiles for selling 'hyper personalized' ads.
- CEO Srinivas claims more relevant ads will lead users to accept tracking.
- The browser's launch follows setbacks but aligns with trends established by Google.
- Perplexity partners with Motorola for pre-installation of its app on Razr series and seeks to collaborate with Samsung.
- The tech industry faces scrutiny over user tracking; both Google and Meta have similar practices.
- Ongoing lawsuits against Google reflect concerns over monopolistic behavior in online advertising.
Why it matters
- The trend toward personalized advertising has been amplified by AI advancements, impacting user privacy profoundly.
- Historical context shows that tech companies like Google have thrived by tracking user behavior.
- Privacy concerns have grown as tech firms continue similar practices, leading to regulation discussions.
- The 2025 IT climate indicates increasing interest and risk in user data collection methods across industries.
Perplexity's browser strategy mirrors established giants while raising ongoing concerns about user privacy and market competition, echoing the critical conversations shaping the tech industry in 2025.