In a bold declaration that underscores the accelerating pace of AI-driven workplace transformation, Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity AI, has claimed that the company’s newly unveiled browser, Comet, could replace two key white-collar roles—recruiters and executive assistants.
Speaking in various media engagements, Srinivas suggested that Comet—a generative AI-powered browser still under development—could eventually automate tasks traditionally carried out by human assistants and talent acquisition professionals, such as drafting emails, scheduling meetings, or even shortlisting job candidates. His statement has sparked debate about the growing influence of AI in corporate workflows and the potential displacement of knowledge workers.
A Browser Built for Work
According to Srinivas, Comet is being designed not just as a search engine alternative, but as an AI assistant embedded directly within the browser interface. Unlike conventional AI chatbots, Comet will combine real-time web results with generative AI to provide context-aware responses, execute complex prompts, and handle knowledge-intensive tasks.
He emphasized that Comet users could rely on a single prompt to initiate workflows that otherwise require multiple back-and-forth communications—like preparing interview questions, arranging logistics, summarizing meetings, or drafting formal communications. This level of automation, he argues, is "not science fiction anymore."
Changing the Role of AI in the Office
The announcement marks a broader shift in how companies envision the role of AI in everyday operations. While tools like ChatGPT or Claude have shown the potential of large language models (LLMs), Srinivas noted that Comet aims to go a step further by replacing utility functions with AI-backed precision.
"The browser isn’t just for surfing anymore—it’s becoming a tool for executing, deciding, and creating," Srinivas reportedly said, pointing to Perplexity’s ambition to redefine workplace productivity.
What This Means for White-Collar Jobs
Recruiters and executive assistants were cited specifically due to their reliance on organizing information, managing schedules, and maintaining communication flows—tasks that are increasingly within reach of automation via advanced AI agents.
The CEO’s remarks come at a time when workplace AI adoption is expanding rapidly. From applicant tracking systems to AI-generated reports and emails, companies are already experimenting with hybrid roles that blend human judgment with machine efficiency.
However, the proposition that an AI browser can fully replace these roles is also meeting skepticism. Critics argue that soft skills, emotional intelligence, and nuanced decision-making remain essential for roles like recruitment, which require more than just filtering CVs or sending follow-up emails.
An Ongoing Debate Around AI’s Boundaries
Srinivas’ claims arrive amidst growing global discourse on the ethical and economic implications of AI in workplaces. While some hail AI’s capacity to enhance productivity, others warn of the risks of displacing workers without adequate reskilling programs.
The timing of this announcement also follows previous controversies involving Perplexity’s platform, including concerns about content sourcing and hallucinated responses. Srinivas, however, has stated that Comet is being built with user-centric design and transparency at its core, including clear citation practices and improved contextual memory.
Emerging Possibilities
While Comet is not yet publicly available, Perplexity AI’s roadmap suggests a strong focus on integrating its capabilities into enterprise environments. The company has been expanding its footprint in India and other emerging tech markets, signaling a global push toward workplace AI applications.
As AI continues to evolve, so will its role in daily work life. Whether Comet delivers on its ambitious promises remains to be seen, but the broader trend of AI replacing routine knowledge tasks is gaining momentum—and sparking vital conversations across industries.