A fake browser extension posing as the popular Perplexity AI search tool was found on the Chrome Web Store, quietly recording every search its victims made. Instead of delivering the AI-powered answers it promised, the extension was silently logging users’ search activity and sending it to outside servers — all without any warning or permission prompt.
Browser extensions have full access to everything you do online, which is why a malicious one can be especially invasive. If you installed this fake Perplexity tool, your recent search history may have been collected by strangers. The good news: removing the extension immediately stops any further tracking.
How to check if you’re affected
Affected products include any Chrome extension labeled “Perplexity” that was not published by the official Perplexity AI company (perplexity.ai):
- In Chrome, click the puzzle-piece icon in the top-right corner and choose Manage extensions (or go to
chrome://extensions). - Look for any extension named “Perplexity” or similar. Click Details and check the publisher — it should say “Perplexity AI” exactly.
- If the publisher name looks unfamiliar or unofficial, click Remove to delete it immediately.
- Install extensions only from publishers you can independently verify at their official website.