Media News Daily: Top Stories for 04/07/2026

Perplexity, Meta, Google Hit With Privacy Suit

A Utah man has filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that Perplexity AI shared complete user chat transcripts, including sensitive financial and health information, with Meta and Google through embedded analytics tools. The complaint claims users reasonably believed their conversations were private, but prompts and associated data, including email addresses, were allegedly transmitted via URLs intercepted in browsers. The lawsuit cites violations of privacy laws, including California’s wiretapping statute. Read More (Mediapost Rating)

OpenAI’s Altman Releases Blueprint for Taxing, Regulating Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, has published a policy blueprint outlining recommendations for managing the societal impact of artificial intelligence. The document proposes measures such as a public wealth fund, taxes on automated labor, and potential four-day workweeks to address economic disruption caused by AI. It also calls for stronger government oversight, public input in AI development, and expanded workforce training in human-centered sectors like healthcare and childcare. The plan compares AI’s rise to the Industrial Revolution and emphasizes preparing institutions for transformative change. Read More (The Hill Rating)

Fact-Checkers Reach Larger Audiences but Face Financial Struggles

A global survey by the International Fact-Checking Network found that while fact-checking organizations expanded their reach in 2025, most faced worsening financial instability. Among 141 groups surveyed, 62% reported audience growth, but 76% described their finances as vulnerable or in crisis. Funding cuts, including reduced support from Meta, contributed to layoffs, shrinking coverage, and increased reliance on single funders. Newsrooms like VERA Files and Factchequeado reported staff reductions despite growing demand for their work. Read More (Poynter Rating)