Perplexity AI hints at possible crypto integration
Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.
Perplexity AI may soon incorporate crypto into its platform, according to CEO Aravind Srinivas.
In a Jan. 29 post on X, Srinivas confirmed that crypto integration is on the horizon but did not provide details on how it would be implemented or when users can expect the rollout.
Instead, he only responded “soon” to a question asking him when the platform would integrate cryptocurrencies.
Following his statement, speculation is growing within the crypto industry regarding how Perplexity AI could leverage blockchain technology.
Some believe the company may introduce crypto payments for Perplexity Pro or integrate AI-powered tools that help users assess digital assets. There is also the possibility of new filtering mechanisms that distinguish promising cryptocurrencies from riskier investments.
Meanwhile, Srinivas’ comments highlight the growing overlap between artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. Analysts have long predicted that the convergence of these technologies could reshape industries. Investment firm Bitwise estimates that AI and crypto could collectively contribute $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
DeepSeek AI integration
Srinivas’ remarks on crypto integration follow another significant development—the incorporation of DeepSeek AI into Perplexity’s offerings.
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has developed a model that competes favorably with leading US firms like OpenAI. Despite being built with fewer resources, it has demonstrated remarkable efficiency, disrupting the AI landscape.
Meanwhile, its emergence also had significant financial repercussions, with companies like NVIDIA seeing a valuation drop of over $500 billion—the largest in US stock market history.
However, DeepSeek’s ties to China have raised concerns about data security. Some users fear that Perplexity’s integration of the model could compromise privacy.
Addressing these concerns, Srinivas clarified that DeepSeek operates exclusively through servers in the US and Europe, ensuring that user data remains protected. He stated:
“All DeepSeek usage in Perplexity is through models hosted in data centers in the USA and Europe. DeepSeek is open-source. None of your data goes to China.”
This revelation shows how Perplexity AI continues to expand as a cutting-edge search platform powered by artificial intelligence. The company is one of the most popular AI companies in the market and is valued at more than $9 billion following a $500 million funding round in December.
