Leo AI Citations Displayed Without Sources A Brave Browser Issue

Introduction

In this article, we will delve into a critical issue encountered while verifying various browser-ai functionalities within the Brave browser. Specifically, we will address the problem of citation numbers being displayed in Leo's responses without the corresponding source listings. This discrepancy not only impacts the user experience but also raises concerns about the transparency and reliability of the information provided by Leo, Brave's AI assistant. Our focus will be on understanding the steps to reproduce this issue, examining the actual and expected results, and discussing the implications for users who rely on Leo for accurate information. This issue highlights the importance of ensuring that AI-generated content is properly attributed and verifiable, especially in a browser environment where users may be conducting research or seeking factual information. Let’s explore the details of this issue and its potential solutions.

Description

During the verification of multiple browser-ai issues, it was discovered that citation numbers appear in Leo's responses when queried in a new tab. However, the corresponding sources are not listed, leading to a disconnect between the citations and their origins. This visual discrepancy can be misleading, as it suggests that sources are available when they are not. The core problem lies in the presentation of citations without proper attribution, which undermines the credibility of the information provided by Leo. The issue is easily reproducible and has been observed in the beta version of the Brave browser. This article provides a detailed account of the problem, including steps to reproduce it, actual and expected results, and relevant version information. Understanding the nuances of this issue is crucial for developers and users alike, as it impacts the trust and utility of the Brave browser's AI assistant. By addressing this issue, Brave can ensure that Leo provides accurate and verifiable information, enhancing the overall user experience.

Steps to Reproduce

To replicate this issue, follow these straightforward steps. First, ensure you have Brave version 1.81.109 installed on your system. This specific version was used when the issue was initially identified, making it a reliable starting point for reproduction. After installation, launch the Brave browser. Once the browser is open, navigate to a new tab. In the new tab, access Leo, Brave's AI assistant, which is integrated into the browser. The key step is to query Leo with a question or topic that typically generates citations. For example, you can ask Leo about