AI chatbots are recommending fake retail websites, study finds

What happened: A study by IP protection firm Podqi found that AI chatbots including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity can direct shoppers to imposter and risky websites when asked shopping-related questions. Key numbers: The study tested 151 brands across two testing periods in September. Why it matters: Shoppers using chatbots to research products or find places to buy items could be sent to fake retail sites, according to the study shared with The Verge.

A study by IP protection firm Podqi found that AI chatbots including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity can direct shoppers to imposter and risky websites when asked shopping-related questions.

Shoppers using chatbots to research products or find places to buy items could be sent to fake retail sites, according to the study shared with The Verge.