A growing trend of artificial intelligence-powered image creation tools has revolutionised the way users interact with digital creativity, providing visually captivating transformations in just a matter of clicks. The ChatGPT and Grok 3 platforms, which use artificial intelligence, offer users the chance to convert their own photos into stunning illustrations that are reminiscent of the iconic Ghibli animation style. These services offer this feature completely free of charge to users.
A technological advancement of this sort has sparked excitement among users who are eager to see themselves reimagined in artistic forms, yet it raises some pressing concerns that need to be addressed carefully. Despite the user-friendly interfaces of these AI image generators, deep learning technology underlies them, processing and analysing each picture they receive.
In doing so, they are not only able to produce aesthetically pleasing outputs, but they are also able to collect visual data, which can be used to continuously improve their models.
Therefore, when individuals upload their personal images to artificial intelligence systems, they unknowingly contribute to the training of these systems, compromising their privacy in the process, and also, the ethical implications of data ownership, consent, and long-term usage remain ambiguous in many situations.
With the growing use of AI-generated imagery, it is becoming increasingly important to examine all the risks and responsibilities associated with sharing personal photos with these tools that go unnoticed by the average person.
Despite the appeal of artificial intelligence-generated images based on their creative potential, experts are now increasingly advising users about the deeper risks associated with data privacy and misuse.
There is more to AI image generators than merely processing and storing photographs submitted by users. They may also be collecting other, potentially sensitive information related to the user, such as IP addresses, email addresses, or metadata that describes the user's activities.
The Mimikama organisation, which aims to expose online fraud and misinformation, claims that users are often revealing far more than they intended and, as a result, relinquish control over their digital identities.
Katharina Grasl, an expert in digital security from the Consumer Centre of Bavaria, shares these concerns. She points out that, depending on the type of input that is provided, the user may inadvertently reveal details regarding their full name, geographical location, interests, and lifestyle habits, among others.
These platforms utilise artificial intelligence systems that can analyse a wide variety of factors in addition to facial features – they can interpret a broad range of variables, ranging from age to emotional state to body language to subtle behavioural cues.
It is concerning to note organisations like Mimikama warn that such content could be misused for unethical or criminal purposes in a variety of ways, going well beyond artistic transformation.
An image uploaded by someone on a website may be manipulated to create a deepfake, inserted into a misleading narrative, or — more concerningly — may be used for explicit or pornographic purposes. The potential of harm increases dramatically when the subjects of these images are minors.
In addition to increasing public awareness around data rights, responsible usage, and the dangers associated with unintended exposure as AI technology continues to expand, so is also a need to increase public awareness of these issues.
It may seem harmless and entertaining on the surface to transform personal photographs into whimsical 'Ghibli-style' illustrations, but digital privacy experts caution that there is much more to the implications of this trend than just creative fun. Once a user uploads an image to an AI generator, their level of control over that content is frequently greatly diminished.
Byh Proton, a platform which specialises in data privacy and security, personal photos that were shared with AI tools were absorbed into the large datasets used to train machine learning models without the user's explicit consent. The implications of this are that images can be reused in unintended and sometimes harmful ways, thus creating the potential for unintended reuse of images.
According to Proton's public advisory on X (formerly Twitter), uploaded images may be exploited to create misleading, defamatory and even harassing content, which can lead to misleading behaviour. In this case, the main concern lies in the fact that once users have submitted their image, it is no longer in their possession.
The image becomes an integral part of a larger digital ecosystem, which is frequently free of accountability and transparency when it is altered, repurposed, or redistributed.
The British futurist Elle Farrell-Kingsley contributed to the discussion by pointing out the danger of exposing sensitive data through these platforms. In his article, he noted that if images are uploaded to AI tools, they can be unintentionally revealed with information such as the user's location, device data, or even the child's identity, which can lead to identifying information being revealed.
It is important to be vigilant if something is free, he wrote, reinforcing the need for increased monitoring.
In light of these warnings, it is important to realise that participation in AI-generated content can come at an extremely high cost as opposed to what may appear initially. To participate in responsible digital engagement, it is crucial to be aware of these trade-offs. Once users upload an image into an artificial intelligence-generated image generator, they are unable to regain full control of that image, if not impossible at all.
Despite a user’s request for deletion, images may have already been processed, copied, or stored across multiple systems even though the user has submitted a deletion request. Especially if the provider is located outside of jurisdictions that adhere to strong data protection laws, such as the EU’s data protection laws. As this issue becomes more critical, AI platforms that grant extended, sometimes irrevocable access to user-submitted content through their terms of service may become increasingly problematic.
It has been pointed out by the State Data Protection Officer for Rhineland-Palatinate that despite the protections provided by the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it is practically impossible to ensure that such images are completely removed from the digital landscape despite these protections. Aside from that, if a user uploads a photo that features a family member, friend or acquaintance without their explicit consent, the legal and ethical stakes are even higher.
Taking such actions might be a direct violation of the individual's right to control their own image, a right that is recognised under privacy laws as well as media laws in many countries.
It is also important to note that there is a grey area regarding how copyrighted or trademarked elements might be used in AI-generated images. Taking an image and editing it to portray oneself as a character in a popular franchise, such as Star Wars, and posting it to social media can constitute an infringement of intellectual property rights if done wrong.
Digital safety advocacy group Mimikama warns that claims such content is "just for fun" do not provide any protection against a possible cease-and-desist order or legal action from rights holders if it becomes subject to cease-and-desist orders.
A time when the line between creativity and consent is becoming more and more blurry due to the advances of artificial intelligence technologies, users should take such tools more seriously and with increased awareness.
Before uploading any image, it is important to understand its potential consequences—legal, ethical, and personal—and to take precautions against the consequences. Although Ghibli-style AI-generated images can be an enjoyable and artistic way to interact with technology, it is important to ensure that one's privacy is safeguarded.
It is crucial to follow a few essential best practices to reduce the risk of misuse and unwanted exposure of data. For starters, one needs to carefully review the platform's privacy policy and terms of service before uploading any images. When a platform's intentions and safeguards are clearly understood by understanding how data is collected, stored, shared, or trained on an artificial intelligence model, one gets a clearer understanding.
To ensure that users are not in violation of the terms and conditions, users should not upload photos that contain identifiable features, private settings, or sensitive data like financial documents or images of children. If possible, use anonymised alternatives, such as stock images or artificial intelligence avatars, so that users can enjoy the creative features without compromising their personal information.
Moreover, exploring offline AI tools that run locally on a device might be a more secure option, since they do not require internet access and do not typically transmit data to external servers, making them a more secure choice.
If users use online platforms, they should look for opt-out options that allow them to decline the use of their data to train or store artificial intelligence. These options are often overlooked but can provide a layer of control that is often lacking in online platforms.
Nowadays, in a fast-paced, digital world, creativity and caution are both imperative. It is important for individuals to remain vigilant and make privacy-conscious choices to take advantage of the wonders of artificial intelligence-generated art without compromising the security of their personal information.
Users need to be cautious when using these tools, as they are becoming increasingly mainstream.
In spite of the striking results of these technologies, the risks associated with privacy, data ownership, and misuse are real and often underestimated. When it comes to the internet, individuals should be aware of what they’re agreeing to, avoid sharing information that is identifiable or sensitive, and look for platforms that have transparent data policies and user control.
The first line of defence in today's digital age, when personal data is becoming increasingly public, is awareness. It is important to be aware of what is shared and where, using AI to create new products. Users should keep this in mind to ensure that their digital safety and privacy are not compromised.