Google recently integrated Gemini AI into Chrome, promising easier browsing and task management. This makes browsing and tasks easier. Users gain convenience. Yet, privacy risks grow high. A recent study examines five AI browsers. It reveals data collection habits. Chrome tops the list for hunger. It gathers the most user info.
Surfshark’s research finds Chrome has a strong data appetite. The mobile browser + Gemini gathers a total of 24 data points, which is directly tied to users. The most notable is name, location, and device ID and it also collects browsing histories, search logs, product interactions, and purchase histories. That is a serious invasion of privacy.
Microsoft has added Copilot AI to Edge. The browser collects only six data points all by itself. The first is customer support information, second is browsing history, then device identity, and followed closely by product usage and performance.
Also, Copilot collects your name, location, and if you upload photos, those also get collected. It attaches audio, search history, and user ID tracking. Lastly, Copilot collects other data for advertising and diagnostics. Edge is still a lot less hungry than Chrome.
Researchers are using Comet, a browser provided by Perplexity. It is primarily used by desktop users, and a mobile app is being put together with the hope of hitting the App store soon. Comet pulls less data with only a total of 10 different data points.
The first is location, and then user ID, device ID, and product usage, ending with purchase history. Comet collects less than both Gemini and Copilot.
Opera Neon is still in an alpha stage. Its mobile version is powered up by Aria AI. Tested using only six data points normal data collection methods did not find any identifiable users (directly). Ads and third-party analytics drive Opera Neon, and privacy is bright without any thinking.
Brave mobile browser integrates Leo AI. Leo collects minimal information. Usage statistics required for analytical purposes come first. Followed by a user ID for the sake of app functionality. So only two items total. This combination will appeal to those who favor privacy. The AI content will remain strong without leaks.
Surfshark also warns against third party add-ons. Chrome, Edge and Firefox welcome their AI extensions. ChatGPT types of work come in handy, but in addition the third-party extensions share additional identifiable personal data. Third parties quickly grab user data. Users must weigh convenience tools against trust. They should check what information apps collect.
Researchers scan five AI browsers. They document data collection practices. They analyze retention policies to reveal what data each browser gathers. The observer references the official privacy policies of the application.
App store disclaimers are also informative and also used where applicable. Data from September 2025 is included. Only live mobile applications feature.
Perplecity and Opera are still waiting for the official mobile applications to launch.
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