Perplexity, the AI-powered search engine, is expanding its publisher program to include some of the world’s leading news outlets. The new partnerships will allow Perplexity to access a vast array of content from various sources, further enhancing its ability to provide users with accurate and relevant information.
New Partnerships Announced
The LA Times, Adweek, Mexico News Daily, and over a dozen other prominent news organizations have joined Perplexity’s publisher program. This move is expected to significantly expand the scope of content available on the platform, cementing its position as a leading AI-powered search engine.
Revenue Sharing and Performance Metrics
Publishers participating in the program will share in revenue generated by ads displayed on Perplexity. They will also have access to performance metrics that track the success of their content on the platform. However, it remains unclear whether publishers are aware of all the terms and conditions of these agreements.
Mixed Reaction from Publishers
While some publishers seem unaware or uninformed about the partnerships, others express concerns about Perplexity’s business practices. The startup has a complicated relationship with publishers, with many accusing it of "content kleptocracy."
A Contentious Relationship
Perplexity uses AI to synthesize and summarize content from various sources, including news articles. However, this process raises questions about data ownership, revenue sharing, and the accuracy of summaries.
Criticism from Publishers
The New York Times sent Perplexity a cease and desist letter in October, demanding that it stop accessing its articles without permission. Dow Jones, which runs The Wall Street Journal and other newswire services, has also refused to join the program, citing concerns about Perplexity’s business practices.
Perplexity’s Expansion Plans
Despite these challenges, Perplexity co-founder and CEO Aravind Srinivas appears optimistic about the company’s future. In a recent post on X, he announced that the platform is now serving around 20 million queries per day, up from 2.5 million at the beginning of the year.
Investor Pressure
As Perplexity continues to grow and expand its services, it may face increased pressure from investors to recoup costs. The company is said to be raising $500 million in a deal that would value it at $9 billion.
Table: Key Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
| — | — |
| Number of queries per day | 20 million (up from 2.5 million) |
| Annual recurring revenue | approximately $50 million as of October |
| Funding raised | reportedly $500 million in a deal that would value the company at $9 billion |
Conclusion
Perplexity’s expansion into new markets and partnerships is expected to further enhance its position as a leading AI-powered search engine. However, the startup’s contentious relationship with publishers raises questions about data ownership, revenue sharing, and accuracy of summaries.
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