Hidden trackers in AI chat tools raise privacy concerns
The Reddit post describes a study from IMDEA Networks called LeakyLM. It says ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Perplexity all included undisclosed third-party trackers. The post says Grok and Perplexity sent chat links to trackers such as Meta Pixel, and that in one case Grok exposed exact message text through Open Graph metadata collected by TikTok.
Key points
- The post says the LeakyLM study checked four AI chat services.
- The named services are ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Perplexity.
- The post says third-party trackers from ad companies were present without clear disclosure.
- It claims some chat links were sent to trackers such as Meta Pixel.
- It says one Grok case exposed exact message text through Open Graph metadata.
Quick term guide
- third-party trackers
- Code from outside companies that can follow what a person does across websites.
- third-party
- A company that provides tools or services for a platform but is independent of the platform's creator.
- Meta Pixel
- A tracking tool used to measure visits and actions for Meta advertising.
- Open Graph metadata
- Hidden link information used to create previews with a title, description, or image.
- metadata
- Extra details about a document, such as title, author, or date.
- Mac mini server
- A Mac mini used as an always-on computer for files, apps, backups, or automation.
- Mac mini
- A small desktop computer made by Apple.
- local tools
- Programs that run on your own computer or server instead of a company’s web service.