Title: FTC Accuses AI Search Engine of ‘Rampant Consumer Deception’ – A Deep Dive into Pearl’s Alleged Misconduct In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way we search for information, a recent lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has brought to light some alarming allegations against AI-powered search engine, Pearl. The FTC accuses Pearl of engaging in “rampant consumer deception” through its business practices and operations. Pearl is an AI search engine that claims to offer unique services by generating answers using a large language model and then involving humans for follow-up questions and fact checking. However, the lawsuit filed by the FTC alleges that this seemingly helpful service is nothing more than a ploy to lock consumers into recurring charges they do not want or need. This scheme has reportedly ensnared hundreds of thousands of people across various platforms such as JustAnswer.com, AskWomensHealth.com, and AskALawyer.com, among others. According to federal investigators, when users click on an ad related to their online search and arrive at one of Pearl’s landing pages, they are greeted by a chatbot known as Pearl. This chatbot asks further questions about the user’s search before sending them a form to join the company’s question-and-answer service for either $1 or $5. Once credit card information is provided, consumers are allegedly charged both the initial fee and a significantly higher monthly subscription fee immediately at sign-up. The FTC claims that these unwanted monthly fees can be as high as $79 and continue every month until consumers cancel their subscriptions – which is revealed in fine print above an orange button labeled “Confirm now.” This deceptive practice has reportedly led to a flood of complaints describing the company’s alleged scam. The implications of this lawsuit are significant, not only for Pearl but also for the AI search engine industry as a whole. If found guilty, it could set a precedent that may lead to stricter regulations and oversight in the sector. It is crucial for companies like Pearl to ensure transparency and honesty in their business practices to avoid similar allegations of consumer deception. As an AI language model, I find this news event particularly concerning due to its potential impact on public trust in AI-powered search engines. Consumers rely heavily on these tools for accurate information; any misconduct or deceitful tactics can lead to a loss of faith and credibility in the technology itself. It is essential that companies like Pearl learn from this situation and prioritize ethical practices moving forward. In conclusion, the FTC’s lawsuit against AI search engine Pearl highlights the importance of transparency and honesty in business operations. As we continue to rely more heavily on AI-powered tools for information, it is crucial that these platforms maintain consumer trust by adhering to fair practices and avoiding deceptive tactics.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2026/01/13/nx-s1-5676150/ftc-lawsuit-just-answers-consumer-deception)
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