The policy states that when users engage voice-enabled features, Perplexity may collect audio recordings of voice queries for the purpose of processing requests. The policy does not specify a distinct retention period for voice audio data.
This analysis describes what Perplexity AI's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
Voice audio data is a distinct and sensitive category of biometric-adjacent personal data in several jurisdictions. This provision creates compliance obligations under Illinois BIPA for voiceprint data, and may engage additional requirements in Texas and Washington, as well as heightened scrutiny under GDPR as a special category if biometric processing is involved.
Interpretive note: Whether the voice audio collection constitutes biometric data collection under BIPA and equivalent statutes depends on whether Perplexity derives voiceprints or other biometric identifiers from audio recordings, which is not specified in the reviewed policy text.
The updated Privacy Notice establishes more granular disclosure of data collection methods across multiple product areas. Perplexity now explicitly discloses that it collects and stores browsing history and settings in the Comet browser based on consent or legitimate interest, accesses email content through Email Assistant to analyze messages (while stating it does not train AI models on that content), and collects demographic data if users voluntarily upload it. The revised structure also clarifies that local browser data storage occurs on users' devices and that incognito mode does not fully prevent tracking by websites or Perplexity. You can review Comet privacy settings and controls as described in the updated policy.
View change record →New disclosure of voice recording collection practices introduces a high-severity biometric data collection capability not previously documented.
View full change record →Under this clause, use of voice features on the Perplexity platform results in collection of audio recordings of the user's voice queries. The policy does not specify a separate retention schedule or deletion mechanism specific to voice audio data.
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"When you use voice features of our services, we may collect audio data, including recordings of your voice queries, to process and respond to your requests.Excerpt from Perplexity AI's Privacy Policy
1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: Voice audio data collection implicates Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) if voiceprints are derived, Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI), Washington My Health MY Data Act where applicable, …
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Voice audio data is a distinct and sensitive category of biometric-adjacent personal data in several jurisdictions. This provision creates compliance obligations under Illinois BIPA for voiceprint data, and may engage additional requirements in Texas and Washington, as well as heightened scrutiny under GDPR as a special category if biometric processing is involved.
Under this clause, use of voice features on the Perplexity platform results in collection of audio recordings of the user's voice queries. The policy does not specify a separate retention schedule or deletion mechanism specific to voice audio data.
ConductAtlas has identified this type of provision across 290 platforms. See the full comparison.
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