Article Today, Hyderabad:
India’s political landscape may soon witness a new wave of transparency. Artificial Intelligence-based search platform Perplexity AI is set to introduce a finance-tracking feature that reveals stock holdings and asset details of political leaders. The company’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, confirmed that the feature will be launched in India within a few weeks.
Technology Meets Political Accountability
Currently operational in the United States, Perplexity Finance tracks and publishes trading activities of American lawmakers by collecting data from official financial disclosures. The same model is now being adapted for India. The platform will analyse information from election affidavits, annual asset declarations, and Lokpal filings to provide an open record of politicians’ financial interests. This move aims to bridge the gap between official disclosures and actual investment activities by public representatives.
Transparency Tool for Citizens
Once operational, the new feature will allow citizens to view which companies Indian politicians have invested in and how their financial interests align with their political decisions. The initiative could empower voters to hold leaders accountable and ensure higher levels of ethical governance. Analysts say it marks a significant step toward making political finance transparent and accessible through technology.
Concerns and Criticisms
Despite the enthusiasm, the initiative has faced mixed reactions online. Some users have praised Perplexity AI for promoting accountability, while others have questioned its effectiveness. Critics argue that many politicians invest through proxies or family members, making it difficult to trace real ownership. “Indian politicians rarely invest in their own names. Most use benami accounts,” one commenter noted. Others warned that such transparency tools might face legal and political hurdles in India.
Challenges Ahead for Perplexity
The success of the initiative will depend on India’s data accessibility and regulatory environment. Although anti-benami and disclosure laws exist, incomplete or ambiguous declarations may limit the tool’s accuracy. Experts suggest that Perplexity AI will have to navigate privacy concerns, political resistance, and data verification challenges to ensure credibility.
A New Test for Political Ethics
If implemented effectively, the Perplexity Finance platform could redefine how citizens perceive political accountability. It may also compel leaders to be more cautious about their financial decisions. As the debate over transparency and privacy continues, one thing remains clear — artificial intelligence is emerging as a new instrument for public scrutiny in Indian democracy.
