Truth Social’s AI search is powered by Perplexity, but the platform can set limits on sources

Truth Social, the social media platform founded by former President Donald Trump, has launched an AI-driven search engine powered by the startup Perplexity. Named Truth Search AI, this innovative feature is currently accessible on the web version of the platform, with plans for public beta testing on iOS and Android apps in the near future. According to Trump Media, the technology provided by Perplexity offers users direct and contextually accurate answers, complete with transparent citations. This enhancement aims to significantly expand the information available to users on Truth Social. However, the platform retains control over the sources utilized by the AI search engine. Utilizing the Perplexity Sonar API, Truth Social's search engine promises to deliver current and verified information, even from websites that restrict Perplexity’s crawlers. The API supports structured outputs, allowing users to specify how they wish to receive their search results. Perplexity spokesperson Jesse Dwyer clarified that the accuracy of the search results will depend on the sources that Truth Social permits. "We have no visibility or control over that," he noted, drawing comparisons to how companies and researchers use APIs within their own data environments. Inquiries made to Trump Media regarding the scope of Truth Search AI's web access and source prioritization remain unanswered. TechCrunch's analysis of the AI's responses to questions, such as the events of January 6, 2021, revealed a consistent reliance on sources like FoxNews.com and FoxBusiness.com, raising concerns about potential biases in the information provided. This contrasts with Perplexity’s public search engine, which includes a diverse array of sources such as Wikipedia, NPR, and YouTube. Devin Nunes, CEO of Trump Media, indicated that Truth Social intends to enhance its search functionality based on user feedback and additional improvements to the platform. Dmitry Shevelenko, Perplexity's chief business officer, emphasized that the AI's answers come with citations, enabling users to explore the information further. This launch coincides with a broader initiative by Trump, who has previously addressed concerns about bias in AI technologies through an executive order. The order critiques models that lack ideological neutrality, specifically targeting certain sociopolitical topics. The rollout of Truth Search AI also arrives at a significant time when leading AI companies, including OpenAI and Google, have been added to a list of approved vendors for federal agencies, with OpenAI recently announcing a deal to provide its services for just $1 per year to government entities.