The recent surge in Studio Ghibli-style AI portraits circulating on social media has caught the attention of Indian authorities, who are now warning the public about potential cyber scams associated with the trend. Police departments in areas like Goa, Tamil Nadu, and Chandigarh have issued advisories urging caution when using AI-generated applications that promise anime-style transformations.
The concern stems from the release of OpenAI’s GPT-4o model, which is capable of generating Ghibli-style images. In response, users across India have flocked to apps offering this dreamy aesthetic, unknowingly putting their privacy at risk in exchange for a visually appealing makeover.
Authorities are cautioning users about the dangers of these AI apps, noting that many of them harvest sensitive data such as facial features and location access. Some apps may even collect information from contact lists and microphone recordings without users’ knowledge. The Tamil Nadu Police cyber wing highlighted the sophisticated threats posed by these apps, warning that some websites offering free Ghibli art downloads may be fronts for malicious activities like spyware, ransomware, or viruses.
Another concern raised by authorities is the prevalence of fake contests and giveaways disguised as Ghibli-themed promotions. Clicking on suspicious links could expose users to theft of financial data or unauthorized access to their devices. Additionally, the use of selfies to train AI systems without clear user consent raises the risk of creating deepfakes or synthetic media.
Experts have also pointed out that AI apps hosted outside India may pose an even greater threat due to ambiguous privacy policies and broad permission requests. Some apps reportedly include code that tracks typing behavior, potentially compromising login credentials and passwords.
In response to the rise in cyber scams related to the Ghibli trend, the Chandigarh Police Cyber Cell has warned about fake online stores selling exclusive Ghibli merchandise. Victims are often deceived by attractive deals only to receive counterfeit goods or fall victim to data breaches. Phishing emails and fake artist profiles on platforms like Instagram are also being used to scam users.
Authorities are urging users to take precautions when using AI apps, including only using platforms from verified developers with strong privacy policies and avoiding uploading personal photos to platforms without clear data deletion options. They also advise against clicking on unfamiliar links or downloading free Ghibli content from unknown sources, as well as refraining from sharing financial or personal information unless the platform’s credibility is confirmed.
To combat cyber fraud related to the Ghibli trend, users are encouraged to report suspicious activity or fraud to the national helpline 1930 or visit www.cybercrime.gov.in. By following these precautions, users can protect themselves from falling victim to cybercriminals seeking to exploit the popularity of Ghibli-style AI portraits for nefarious purposes.