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In an incident that has stirred global discussion on the limits of artificial intelligence, Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas issued a strong warning after a user showcased how the company’s new AI browser, Comet, completed an entire Coursera course on AI Ethics within seconds. The episode has reignited the debate around AI misuse, academic honesty, and ethical responsibility in the digital age.
The controversy began when a web developer named Amrit Nigam posted a video showing Comet completing assignments from Coursera’s “AI Ethics, Responsibility, and Creativity” course almost instantly. The user praised Comet for “saving time,” jokingly thanking the AI for helping him finish a 45-minute course in less than a minute. The post quickly went viral but it didn’t sit well with Perplexity’s founder.
Responding directly to the viral post, Aravind Srinivas wrote just three words: “Absolutely don’t do this.” His short but sharp reaction captured the attention of millions. It wasn’t just a warning; it was a reminder that while AI can make life easier, it should never replace the human process of learning and understanding.
Srinivas’s statement reflects a growing concern in the AI community that powerful tools like Comet, ChatGPT, and others are now capable of performing tasks once thought to require human intelligence, effort, and creativity. In this case, the irony was striking: an AI tool being used to cheat in a course that teaches ethics and responsibility in artificial intelligence.
Industry experts have described the incident as a “wake-up call” for educators and tech leaders alike. If AI can complete exams and certifications, what happens to the value of genuine learning? Online education platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, and edX may soon need to redesign their assessment systems to ensure authenticity and fair play.
Comet, the AI browser at the center of this controversy, was built to assist users by automating web tasks, summarizing articles, and performing online research. However, this incident exposed how easily a tool designed for assistance can cross the line into academic dishonesty. Many users on social media commented that this is exactly the kind of ethical dilemma that future AI regulations must address.
While some online users joked about the situation, others supported Srinivas’s stance, praising him for taking responsibility instead of glorifying AI’s capabilities. Several educators also shared their concern, saying that students increasingly rely on AI tools to complete assignments, which could undermine real understanding and intellectual growth.
Aravind Srinivas’s firm message was clear: AI should be used to empower people, not replace them. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into daily life, the incident serves as a crucial reminder that innovation without responsibility can quickly turn into misuse.
This viral moment may have begun as an internet joke, but it has sparked a serious conversation about the future of education, ethics, and human integrity in the age of intelligent machines.
