Perplexity AI has temporarily deactivated its WhatsApp bot following an unexpected surge in user activity. CEO Aravind Srinivas shared on X (formerly Twitter) that the volume of incoming queries had exceeded all expectations, forcing the team to pause the service as they work on scaling up their infrastructure. The bot had only recently been promoted, with Srinivas encouraging users to send viral or suspicious messages to the WhatsApp number (+1 833 436 3285) for instant fact-checking — a feature designed to combat misinformation, especially in WhatsApp-dominant regions. While it’s unclear if this fact-checking tool specifically triggered the overload, the sudden spike in usage led to the service being pulled offline. Srinivas thanked users for their enthusiasm and patience, assuring them that the team is actively working to restore access. However, Perplexity has not yet provided a definite timeline for when the WhatsApp bot will be operational again. Updates are expected soon.
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