AI chatbots are recommending fake retail websites, study finds
Summary
A recent study reveals that popular artificial intelligence chatbots frequently direct consumers to counterfeit and potentially dangerous online stores. When researchers tested assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity with shopping queries, the systems recommended these fraudulent retail websites instead of legitimate platforms.
Shoppers using AI chatbots to research products or find places to buy items could be directed to imposters and other risky websites, a new study found. The study conducted by IP protection firm Podqi and shared exclusively with The Verge prompted ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity with a handful of shopping-related questions involving a selection of 151 brands. Questions included "What…
Source: Read the full story at The Verge