Perplexity gives AI model Astra free rein in its own operations

Perplexity has taken a big step: the AI model GPT-6 Astra now has access to write communications, fix software and keep watch over the company's own production systems.

What's new is that Perplexity checks Astra's work far less often than it did with earlier models. So Astra is getting freer rein, a bit like a teenager who has been handed the car keys, but without a driving instructor in the back seat.

For you as a private AI user, this doesn't change anything right now. It's an internal decision in Perplexity's own operations.

For companies, it's more interesting to follow. It shows how far big AI companies are themselves willing to let AI work without constant supervision, and it may point ahead to what will become possible for other companies too.

Our rule of thumb: there's no reason to change anything now. But keep an eye out if Perplexity or others start offering a similar "low oversight" approach as something you can adopt yourselves: that's the point when it becomes relevant to react.