The viral Ghibli art trend using AI to transform photos raises serious concerns about data security and privacy. Experts warn that personal photos could be misused or sold.
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| The Ghibli art trend is fun but comes with risks. Experts warn that personal photos uploaded for AI art could be sold on the dark web or used for deepfakes. Image: Collected |
Tech Desk — April 8, 2025:
Over the past few weeks, social media has been buzzing with a fun new trend: transforming personal photos into charming Ghibli-style artwork using AI tools like ChatGPT and Grock. These AI platforms instantly convert ordinary pictures into whimsical, animated portraits resembling the beloved style of Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki. While it’s become a viral sensation, experts are raising alarms about potential risks that could put users’ personal data and privacy in jeopardy.
The way it works seems harmless enough: users upload their photos to an AI platform, which processes and transforms them into animated images. However, the reality behind the scenes is more troubling. These platforms are often powered by servers located in the United States, and it remains unclear where all the data—especially personal photos—are ultimately being stored. Without proper transparency, users are unknowingly handing over personal data that could be exploited or misused without their consent.
The dangers go beyond just having fun with AI-generated art. IT experts warn that these personal photos could be used to create deepfakes or may even be sold on the dark web. This creates significant risks for internet users who are unaware of how their data might be handled. In just 30 hours, over 10 million images were uploaded to the server, and more than 1 million new accounts were created to take part in this trend. With such a high volume of personal data being processed, the potential for cybercrime is alarmingly high.
While the Ghibli art trend may seem like a harmless way to indulge in the magic of Studio Ghibli’s iconic animation, it is crucial to understand the privacy implications. Data security should never be overlooked, especially when sharing personal photos on platforms with unclear data management policies. As the popularity of AI art continues to rise, users must be cautious about what they upload, and consider the possible long-term consequences of participating in this trend. Cybersecurity experts strongly advise against sharing sensitive data unless the platform’s privacy policies are fully understood and trusted.