A recent viral incident involving Perplexity’s Comet AI browser has sparked a major debate about the role and ethics of artificial intelligence in education.
The Incident
Web developer Amrit Nigam demonstrated how Comet AI could complete an entire Coursera course titled “AI Ethics, Responsibility and Creativity” without human input. By typing a simple prompt — “Complete the assignment” — the AI browser answered all 12 questions of the 45-minute course within seconds.
Nigam shared the event on X (formerly Twitter), tagging both Perplexity AI and its CEO Aravind Srinivas. Srinivas quickly replied with a clear warning: “Absolutely don’t do this.” The exchange went viral, stirring up a mix of humor, criticism, and serious ethical discussion.
Public Reaction
The internet was quick to point out the irony — an AI tool completing a course meant to teach ethical use of AI. Memes and jokes flooded social media, with users saying things like “Comet just earned a certificate in ethics.”
However, not everyone found it funny. Many expressed concern that such shortcuts could undermine the integrity of online learning and make certificates meaningless if AI can easily handle assignments.
Educators and professionals weighed in, calling for stricter evaluation methods to ensure that online learners actually gain knowledge rather than relying on automation.
About Comet AI Browser
Launched in July 2025 and made free to the public in October 2025, Comet AI is promoted as a next-generation browser that performs tasks through natural language prompts. It can summarize research papers, fill out forms, book hotels, manage workflows, and even place stock trades through platforms like Zerodha.
While these capabilities show the power of modern AI, they also raise concerns about misuse — especially when applied to education and certification programs that rely on self-study and honesty.
The Bigger Picture
The incident has fueled a broader debate about AI’s impact on academic integrity. Critics say tools like Comet make it too easy to skip the learning process, while supporters argue that AI is simply exposing flaws in outdated education systems.
Srinivas’s warning — though seen by some as a responsible move — also highlights how even AI companies are struggling to set boundaries for ethical use. As AI tools become more advanced and accessible, the question remains: can education systems evolve fast enough to keep real learning meaningful?
