Are AI Web Browsers Spying On You?

Today, many people use AI web browsers to help them search the internet. These AI tools can make browsing easier, but recent research shows that they might also be spying on us.

Research Findings

A study presented at the 2025 USENIX Security Symposium revealed some worrying facts about AI web browsers like ChatGPT for Google, Sider, Monica, Merlin, MaxAI, Perplexity, HARPA, TinaMind, and Microsoft’s Copilot. Researchers looked at how these browsers use and keep user information.

They created real-life browsing scenarios, where users read news, watched videos, filled out tax documents, and even accessed adult content. They wanted to see what data was collected and how privacy measures were working.

What Did They Find?

The researchers discovered that many of these AI browsers recorded sensitive details from users. For example:

• Extensions could store images and written information like medical conditions or even social security numbers.
• The Merlin extension shared banking information and health records.
• Some AI tools, like Merlin and Sider, collected data even on private browsing sessions, which should be more secure.

The team also looked at data flow and found that many AI browsers sent user information to external servers. This could include the websites visited and the type of content users interacted with. Notably, Sider and TinaMind shared user prompts along with identifying details like IP addresses with Google Analytics. This means users could be tracked across different websites.

Additionally, some AI browsers, like Microsoft’s Copilot, saved chat histories from previous sessions. This could allow the AI to remember personal information across different browsing times. Others, like Google, Copilot, and Monica, used user activity to create profiles about age, gender, income, and interests.

The Safest Option

Among all the AI browsers tested, Perplexity was found to be the most private. It did not recall past interactions and did not access personal data in private browsing situations. However, it still analyzed page titles and user location, which means it wasn’t completely free from data collection.

Conclusion

While AI web browsers can make our online experience better, they also come with risks. It’s important to be aware of how these tools collect and use our data. Always think about your privacy when using AI services!