The Cyber Police Unit of the Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) of Mexico City issued an alert to citizens about the risks associated with using applications that transform personal photographs into cartoons or avatars using artificial intelligence. These platforms, the authority warns, may collect sensitive data, compromise user privacy, and even facilitate identity theft.
According to the Cyber Police, some of these platforms collect biometric patterns, such as facial features, to integrate them into databases that can be sold or misused, often without the explicit consent of the user.
"What may seem like a harmless and entertaining activity can become a source of digital vulnerability," pointed out the department, which emphasizes that the processing of personal data by these applications is not always clear, nor compliant with current regulations.
As a preventive measure, the SSC recommends reading privacy policies before using any application, checking that they comply with data protection regulations, such as GDPR or national legislation, using only official platforms downloaded from recognized stores, and avoiding uploading personal or family photos if there is no full certainty about the use of that data. The department reminded that protecting privacy also means controlling one's own digital identity.
In case of detecting suspicious applications or having doubts about online security, citizens can contact the Cyber Police at 55 5242 5100 ext. 5086 or by email at policia.cibernetica@ssc.cdmx.gob.mx.
