The popularity of applications that convert selfies into Studio Ghibli-style illustrations has sparked a wave of creativity on social media. However, behind this artistic trend lie cyber risks that could jeopardize your personal information.
Companies like Kaspersky have warned about the dangers of sharing images on platforms that use artificial intelligence without knowing exactly how they manage data. This lack of transparency makes these tools fertile ground for potential abuses.
With a simple image, cybercriminals could create fake profiles on social networks or dating platforms, deceive identity verification systems in banks or applications, use the photographs to train artificial intelligence models without authorization, or even sell personal data in unregulated markets.
Although awareness of data protection has increased in Mexico, the growth of digital threats remains a constant challenge. In 2019, 54% of users did not read privacy policies, while in 2025 that figure dropped to 23%.
"The appeal of these applications is undeniable, but we must remember that cybercriminals are alert to viral trends to take advantage of carelessness. Tools like 'Images for ChatGPT' by OpenAI have been pointed out as potential points of vulnerability," emphasized Quero.
For those who wish to enjoy these applications without compromising their privacy, experts recommend taking some basic precautions: carefully read the privacy policies, avoid uploading compromising images, use neutral photos, grant only strictly necessary permissions, and have an updated antivirus that detects threats in time.
The most important thing, Quero concludes, is that creating images with AI can be a positive experience if done consciously and securely. "We give up valuable data that, in the wrong hands, can be used to create fake identities, bypass facial recognition systems, or even feed algorithms without our consent," warned Zoilije Quero, CCO of TecnetOne, a company specialized in cybersecurity.
The problem, he highlights, is that many of these applications are not clear regarding the storage, use, or sharing of user data.
