The artificial intelligence company Perplexity AI seeks to compete against Google for both search capabilities and data control. CEO Aravind Srinivas shared during a TBPN podcast interview that the upcoming Comet browser from Perplexity AI will monitor all user online activities to create highly personalized advertising profiles. Srinivas explained that the company seeks external data beyond the app to acquire a better understanding of users through his interview on the TBPN podcast. He added that work-related AI queries typically fail to expose sufficient user behavior and interests.
According to Srinivas, users’ web browsing activities, which include their shopping behavior along with travel reservations and restaurant visits, provide a deeper understanding of their personal preferences. His statement revealed the extent of information he could gather from users. The company aims to develop an enhanced “discover feed” system that presents premium advertisements that feel appropriate to users instead of being bothersome.
The upcoming browser release in May will replicate the successful business model that enabled Google to reach a $2 trillion valuation. Google achieved complete market dominance through its development of Chrome and Android, which gave it control over both user data collection and advertising revenue streams. Perplexity implements an aggressive implementation of the blueprint that Google has established.
Perplexity has established a partnership with Motorola to deliver its app through Moto AI on Razr phones while discussing similar terms with Samsung. The announcement emerges during Google’s battle against a U.S. antitrust lawsuit regarding its advertising monopoly, while Perplexity and OpenAI show interest in acquiring Chrome from Google in case of divestment.
The new development increases privacy-related worries. Perplexity stands out by openly discussing its tracking practices despite Meta and Apple tracking users to some extent while facing criticism. The increasing skepticism toward Big Tech companies in Europe and the United States could lead to more investigative actions instead of reassurance because of Srinivas’ statements. Transparency emerges as the most powerful strategy in the competition to control AI and ad tech platforms.
