For the past week, the internet has been taken over by a new trend—transforming selfies, pet portraits, and even historical images into dreamy, hand-painted Ghibli-style art. From TikTok to Instagram, users have eagerly uploaded their photos to AI tools, which then generate animated versions resembling characters from beloved Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.
The craze took off when OpenAI introduced its default image generation feature for GPT-4o. Almost overnight, social media platforms were flooded with AI-generated animations of people and their pets. Users marveled at the creativity and realism of these AI-generated avatars, sharing them widely across various platforms.
But beneath the surface of this seemingly harmless trend lies a deeper concern that many users have yet to consider—the privacy risks of submitting high-resolution facial images to AI applications.
The Hidden Risks of AI-Generated Avatars
The AI-generated Ghibli avatars may look charming, but submitting your face to an AI tool has implications that extend beyond aesthetics. Unlike images scraped from the internet, these are well-lit, front-facing, high-resolution photos—perfect for refining facial recognition systems, identity synthesis, and even training deepfake algorithms.
1. Your Biometric Data is More Valuable Than You Think
Many users believe they are simply using a fun transformation tool, but they may be unknowingly granting companies unrestricted access to their biometric data.
Paritosh Desai, Chief Product Officer at IDfy, warns, “Unlike passive data collection methods, these AI applications receive high-resolution facial images directly from users, often under broad consent terms.”
AI companies that collect these images may not just be using them to create avatars. They could be leveraging them for facial recognition advancements, identity verification, or even artificial intelligence training programs that improve deepfake technology.
2. Lack of Transparency in Data Retention Policies
Most users assume their images are processed only for immediate use, but few read the fine print in AI app policies. Many apps fail to specify whether they delete data after processing or store it indefinitely.
“If an organization lacks clear data retention policies, these images could be stored indefinitely and repurposed without users even realizing it,” Desai cautions.
In regions with strong privacy laws, companies must obtain clear, purpose-specific consent before storing biometric data. However, in jurisdictions with weaker AI governance, such data could be leveraged for extended purposes without oversight.
3. The Growing Threat of AI-Generated Identity Fraud
Beyond privacy concerns, another growing threat looms—identity fraud. AI-generated faces have already been used to bypass Know Your Customer (KYC) checks and deceive biometric security systems.
“Deepfake technology is advancing at an alarming pace, and AI-generated faces are already being exploited for financial fraud and impersonation,” Desai explains.
With AI-generated avatars becoming more sophisticated, cybercriminals can manipulate facial recognition systems to commit identity theft, banking fraud, and unauthorized access to personal accounts.
4. AI Data Use: What Are the Legal Loopholes?
Can AI Firms Legally Store and Use Your Face?
The answer depends on where you are and what you agreed to. In regions with strong privacy laws like the EU’s GDPR, India’s DPDP Act, or California’s CCPA, companies must obtain explicit, purpose-specific consent. However, many AI apps have broad and vaguely worded consent terms, allowing them to retain and repurpose images.
Do Current Data Protection Laws Cover AI-Generated Faces?
Most privacy laws protect biometric data when tied to an identifiable person, but the legal landscape around synthetic identities remains uncertain. Desai notes, “Recourse against AI-generated faces or deepfakes isn’t always clear-cut. However, some jurisdictions are starting to address this gap, as synthetic identities pose serious risks for fraud and misinformation.”
In India, for example, the DPDP Act may apply if AI-generated data is linked to a real individual. Additionally, the upcoming Digital India Act could provide more clarity on AI governance.
What Should Users Look Out For?
To protect your digital identity, always check an AI app’s privacy policies before uploading images. Ask yourself these key questions:
- Does the app specify exactly how your image will be used?
- Are images deleted immediately after processing, or are they stored? If stored, for how long?
- Does the app allow users to opt out and delete their data?
- What security measures does the company have in place to protect stored images?
- Is the company compliant with privacy laws such as GDPR or DPDP?
The Fine Line Between Creativity and Exploitation
For many users, the Ghibli-style transformation is nothing more than a fleeting social media trend—a fun way to reimagine themselves in an animated world. But while users play with AI, AI companies may be playing with user data.
Desai cautions, “People need to critically assess what they are giving away in exchange for a few moments of fun.”
As the debate over AI ethics continues, one thing is clear—the next viral trend could also be the next big data grab. Are users willing to trade their biometric identity for a pretty picture? That’s a question worth asking before hitting ‘generate.’
Staying Informed and Cautious in the Age of AI
The rise of AI-generated avatars is a testament to the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. However, with these advancements come significant ethical and privacy concerns. Users must be aware of the hidden risks associated with submitting biometric data to AI companies.
Key Takeaways:
- AI-generated avatars are fun, but they come with privacy risks.
- Companies may store and use your biometric data beyond the intended purpose.
- AI-generated faces are increasingly being used for fraud and deepfake scams.
- Users should read privacy policies carefully before uploading images.
- Stronger data protection laws are needed to regulate AI applications effectively.
With AI technology evolving at an unprecedented pace, staying informed and cautious is crucial. Before embracing the next viral trend, consider the potential consequences of sharing your biometric data online.
