Perplexity AI has begun requiring users, including Pro subscribers, to provide a phone number to access the service. Users are presented with the choice to either submit their phone number or lose all their data. The company frames this change as a security measure, a justification that has drawn criticism regarding privacy and legality, particularly in regions like Europe. AI
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IMPACT This change raises privacy concerns for AI service users and may impact adoption rates for services requiring extensive personal data.
RANK_REASON Product change requiring user data collection for continued access.