The Studio Ghibli AI trend is all over the internet. From politicians to influencers, every single person is transforming their photos with ChatGPT.  However, cybersecurity experts caution users about the privacy dangers of sharing personal images on these AI (artificial intelligence) platforms.

The surge in this trend began with OpenAI’s GPT-4o, which allows users to transform their personal photos in the distinctive artistic style of Studio Ghibli. While the tools simplify this transformation with captivating results, several analysts caution that the terms of service and data handling practices could pose significant privacy risks for users.

Many cybersecurity experts have pointed out that even when platforms say they don’t keep images or erase them after viewing, what “deletion” actually means isn’t always clear, it doesn’t specify one meaning.

Without clear rules, it is not clear whether photos disappear right after producing results or stay there for longer than expected.

Vishal Salvi from Quick Heal Technologies points out that hidden inside each photo is extra info, like exactly where you took it, when, and even what kind of phone you used. This “extra info,” called metadata, can accidentally reveal things about you that you might want to keep private.

The AI that makes these image changes uses a special method to separate your photo from an artist’s style. Then, it combines them. Even though it looks innocent, this process isn’t totally safe.

Salvi said, “Even if companies claim they don’t store your photos, fragments of your data might still end up in their systems,” he says. “Uploaded images can definitely be repurposed for unintended uses, like training AI models for surveillance or targeted advertising.”

Pratim Mukherjee, Senior Director of Engineering at McAfee warns turning your photos into cool art is super easy and fun, but it can also come with some sneaky problems you might not see right away.

Mukherjee said, “Eye-catching results and viral filters create an experience that feels light and effortless, but it often comes with hidden privacy risks.”

Source:

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/studio-ghibli-ai-trend-is-a-privacy-nightmare-in-disguise-warn-experts-how-to-use-it-safely-101744027029764.html