Truth Social AI Search Powered by Perplexity | Details

Perplexity Powers AI Search for Truth Social

Perplexity, an artificial intelligence startup, is now providing the technology behind a new AI-powered search engine integrated into Truth Social, the social media platform belonging to President Donald Trump.

Launch and Beta Testing

This new search functionality, named Truth Search AI, is currently accessible on the web-based version of Truth Social. Public Beta testing is scheduled for the platform’s iOS and Android applications in the coming weeks.

Enhanced Information Access

According to a press release from Trump Media, Perplexity’s technology delivers “direct, contextually accurate answers with transparent citations.” This integration is expected to significantly increase the volume of information available to Truth Social users.

However, it’s important to note that Truth Social will retain control over the sources from which the AI search engine gathers its information.

Utilizing the Perplexity Sonar API

Truth Social is leveraging the Perplexity Sonar API. This API is designed to access and retrieve current, verified information from the web.

The API can even access data from websites that typically block Perplexity’s web crawlers, and it supports structured output, allowing users to specify their preferred format for search results.

API Limitations and Source Control

A spokesperson for Perplexity, Jesse Dwyer, clarified to TechCrunch that the API’s accuracy will be limited to the sources authorized by Truth Social.

“We have no visibility or control over that,” Dwyer explained. “It functions similarly to how a company or academic researcher might utilize the API with their own data.”

Questions Regarding Source Prioritization

TechCrunch has contacted Trump Media to gain further insight into the scope of Truth Search AI’s web access.

Specifically, they are seeking information on whether certain sources will be prioritized, and whether the AI will be programmed to generate responses that are favorable towards the president and his administration, while being critical of Democrats.

Biased Source Citations

Axios conducted a series of tests, posing questions such as “What happened on January 6, 2021?” and “Why was Donald Trump impeached?” to the search engine.

In every instance, FoxNews.com was either the most frequently cited source, or the sole source of information provided.

Other sources occasionally included were FoxBusiness.com, The Washington Times, and Epoch Times.

Comparison to Perplexity’s Public Search

This contrasts sharply with Perplexity’s standard public search engine, which draws from a much broader range of sources.

These include Wikipedia, Reddit, YouTube, NPR, and Politico.

Future Development and User Feedback

Devin Nunes, CEO of Trump Media and a former California congressman, stated that the search function will be continually refined and expanded.

This development will be guided by user feedback as further enhancements are implemented across the platform.

Transparent Citations

Dmitry Shevelenko, Perplexity’s chief business officer, emphasized that Perplexity’s AI provides answers with “transparent citations that allow anyone to dig deeper.”

Trump’s Stance on Biased AI

Late in July, alongside the release of his AI Action Plan, President Trump issued an executive order targeting “biased AI” models.

The order specifically criticized models that are not “ideologically neutral,” particularly regarding topics such as race, sex, unconscious bias, systemic racism, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, labeling them as “pervasive and destructive” ideologies.

AI Vendor Approvals

The launch of Truth Search AI coincides with the addition of leading AI companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, to a list of approved vendors.

These vendors are now authorized to sell their services to civilian federal agencies.

OpenAI recently secured a deal with the U.S. government to provide ChatGPT Enterprise to agencies for a cost of just $1 per year.