All About Perplexity AI Chatbot on WhatsApp
Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas recently announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the company’s generative AI is now accessible via WhatsApp. The chatbot offers capabilities such as question answering, citing sources, and image generation — with more features promised soon.
To start chatting with Perplexity AI, users simply need to save the following number: +1 (833) 436-3285. Once saved, a new WhatsApp chat with Perplexity AI can be initiated from anywhere in the world.
This move comes months after OpenAI introduced ChatGPT on WhatsApp, and reflects a growing trend of integrating AI directly into widely used messaging apps rather than through dedicated third-party apps.
Privacy Questions Loom Large
However, not everyone is convinced that Perplexity AI is a safe or ethical choice. Just days before announcing the WhatsApp integration, CEO Aravind Srinivas revealed that Perplexity’s upcoming web browser is designed to track users’ activity extensively in order to serve personalized advertisements.
This revelation has sparked concern among privacy advocates. Critics argue that Perplexity appears to be following the same data-driven ad model as Google and Facebook, but with AI-powered enhancements that could make the profiling even more intrusive. The concern isn’t just about data collection — it’s about using that information to train AI models and feed targeted advertising engines.
Why AI on WhatsApp Makes Sense?
Despite privacy concerns, integrating AI chatbots into WhatsApp offers practical advantages. In many emerging markets, WhatsApp usage is subsidized or doesn’t count against mobile data caps. This makes it an appealing channel for users to access AI features without switching apps or consuming precious mobile data.
Meta has used this convenience as a key argument for embedding Meta AI deeply into WhatsApp. However, the platform’s openness also enables competition. Users can freely choose ChatGPT, Perplexity AI, or other chatbot services simply by saving a contact number.
The Bottom Line
Perplexity AI’s WhatsApp integration adds another layer to the evolving battle between AI providers inside messaging apps. While it offers a powerful tool directly within WhatsApp, the company’s data collection intentions may give users pause.
For those prioritizing privacy, ChatGPT might remain the more trusted option—at least for now. Still, the decision ultimately lies with users: WhatsApp is just a platform, and you can choose which AI, if any, you want in your chats.
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